How much can I earn before JobSeeker Payment reduces?

You can earn $150 per fortnight before JobSeeker Payment reduces. Between $150 and $256 it reduces by 50 cents per dollar, and above $256 by 60 cents per dollar. A single person with no children cuts out at $1,557.17 per fortnight. Single principal carers get a flat 40 cents per dollar taper above $150 and cut out at $2,399.50. Rates are the 20 September 2026 indexation; the income-test bands were verified against Services Australia in July 2026.

How much can my partner earn before my Centrelink payment stops?

For JobSeeker Payment and Parenting Payment Partnered, your payment reduces by 60 cents for every dollar your partner earns over $1,415.00 per fortnight (where your partner is aged 22 to Age Pension age and not on a pension). If your own income is under $150, your payment stops once your partner earns $2,686.67 per fortnight at the 20 September 2026 rates. Bands verified July 2026.

When does Parenting Payment stop as my child gets older?

Parenting Payment Single ends when your youngest child turns 14 (the limit rose from 8 to 14 on 20 September 2023). Parenting Payment Partnered ends when your youngest child turns 6. Most parents then move to JobSeeker Payment — for singles the maximum rate drops from $1,047.30 to $866.00 per fortnight and the income free area drops from $232.60 to $150, though the 40c taper stays the same.

What are Working Credit and the Income Bank?

Working Credit (JobSeeker, Parenting Payment) builds credits in fortnights your income is under $48; Centrelink uses them to offset income before applying the taper when you start work. The student Income Bank (Youth Allowance students, Austudy) builds credits in fortnights you earn under $539. This calculator assumes a zero balance, so your first working fortnights may pay more than it shows.

Centrelink Income Test Calculator

How much can you earn before your payment reduces or stops? Covers JobSeeker Payment, Parenting Payment (single and partnered) and Youth Allowance — with 2026 free areas, taper rates and exact cut-off points.

Last verified: 20 July 2026Jump to calculator ↓

Get pay and rights updates for your job

Free email updates when award rates, the minimum wage or workplace laws change.

Free forever. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.

Related Tools

JobSeeker Payment Calculator
Parenting Payment Calculator
Youth Allowance Calculator