Centrelink Payment Rates March 2026 — JobSeeker, Youth Allowance & More

Current Centrelink payment rates updated March 2026. JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Age Pension, Parenting Payment, Disability Support Pension — all rates in one place.

JobSeeker Payment rates (March 2026)

JobSeeker Payment is the main income support payment for people aged 22 to Age Pension age who are looking for work. Current fortnightly rates including Energy Supplement: Single, no children — $762.70 per fortnight ($19,830/year). Single, with dependent children — $816.90 per fortnight ($21,239/year). Partnered (each) — $693.10 per fortnight ($18,021/year). These rates include the Energy Supplement of $8.80 per fortnight for singles and $7.90 each for partnered recipients. The income-free area is $150 per fortnight — you can earn up to this amount before your payment starts to reduce. Above $150, payments reduce by 50 cents for every dollar earned up to $256 per fortnight, and 60 cents for every dollar above that. The assets test free areas are $314,000 for homeowners and $566,000 for non-homeowners (singles). JobSeeker recipients must meet mutual obligation requirements including applying for a minimum number of jobs per month and attending appointments with their employment services provider.

Youth Allowance rates (March 2026)

Youth Allowance is available to full-time students aged 16-24, apprentices aged 16-24, and job seekers aged 16-21. Current fortnightly rates: Living at home (single, no children) — $345.00 per fortnight. Away from home (single, no children) — $620.40 per fortnight. Single with dependent children — $816.90 per fortnight. Partnered, no children — $620.40 per fortnight. The income-free area for Youth Allowance is $150 per fortnight — earnings below this do not affect your payment. For students, there is also a Student Income Bank that lets you accumulate unused income-free credits up to $11,250. The parental income test applies to dependent Youth Allowance recipients: the payment reduces when combined parental income exceeds $58,108 per year. Youth Allowance recipients who are independent (living away from home for at least 12 months, or who meet other independence criteria) are not subject to the parental income test.

Age Pension rates (March 2026)

The Age Pension is available to Australians who have reached Age Pension age (currently 67) and meet residence requirements. Current fortnightly rates: Single — $1,116.30 per fortnight ($29,024/year). Couple (each) — $841.40 per fortnight ($21,876/year each, $43,753/year combined). Couple combined — $1,682.80 per fortnight. These rates include the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement. The income test free area is $204 per fortnight for singles and $360 per fortnight for couples (combined). Above the free area, the pension reduces by 50 cents for every dollar of income. The assets test free areas are $314,000 for homeowners and $566,000 for non-homeowners (singles); $470,000 and $722,000 for couples. The Age Pension is means-tested on both income and assets — whichever test produces the lower rate is the one that applies.

Parenting Payment rates (March 2026)

Parenting Payment supports the principal carer of a young child. There are two rates depending on your relationship status. Single parents — $987.70 per fortnight ($25,680/year). Eligibility: youngest child under 14. Partnered parents — $693.10 per fortnight ($18,021/year). Eligibility: youngest child under 6. The income-free area for Parenting Payment Single is $202.60 per fortnight. Above this, payment reduces by 40 cents for every dollar earned. For Parenting Payment Partnered, the free area is $150 per fortnight, reducing by 50 cents per dollar up to $256 and 60 cents per dollar above that. Parenting Payment Single recipients may also qualify for Rent Assistance (up to $188.20/fortnight with 1-2 children) and the Pensioner Concession Card for discounted healthcare, utilities, and transport.

Disability Support Pension rates (March 2026)

The Disability Support Pension (DSP) provides income support for people with a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that prevents them from working 15 or more hours per week. Current fortnightly rates: Single — $1,116.30 per fortnight ($29,024/year). Couple (each) — $841.40 per fortnight ($21,876/year each). These rates are the same as the Age Pension and include the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement. The income test free area is $204 per fortnight for singles and $360 per fortnight for couples. You can work and earn up to these amounts without affecting your payment. The DSP assets test thresholds match the Age Pension. To qualify, you must have a condition assessed at 20 or more points under the Impairment Tables, and your condition must be fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised. People under 35 must generally participate in a Program of Support before being eligible.

When do Centrelink payments increase?

Centrelink payments are indexed (adjusted) twice per year on 20 March and 20 September. Pension-type payments (Age Pension, DSP, Parenting Payment Single) are indexed using the higher of CPI or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI), then benchmarked against Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) — pensions must be at least 28.4% of MTAWE for singles. Allowance-type payments (JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment Partnered) are indexed to CPI only. This means allowances tend to fall behind pensions over time as wages grow faster than prices. The next indexation is 20 March 2026 — new rates will be announced approximately one week before they take effect. In recent years, indexation increases have ranged from $10 to $40 per fortnight depending on CPI movements.

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Official resources

General information and estimates only — not legal, financial, or tax advice. Always verify with the Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or a qualified professional.