About the work and income planner
Many people worry that working a few hours will cost them their payment. This planner shows pay and JobSeeker side by side at different levels of earnings, so you can see that your total income keeps going up as you earn more.
It uses the same income test, partner income test and assets limits as the JobSeeker calculator.
Common questions
Am I better off working part-time on JobSeeker?
Almost always, yes. Your payment reduces as you earn more, but by less than each extra dollar, so your pay plus payment keeps rising.
What are Working Credits?
Unused parts of your income free area can build up as credits, which can protect your payment in fortnights you earn more. This planner doesn’t include them, so your payment could be higher.
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Rates last checked 5 November 2026. Payment rates from 20 September 2026; limits from 1 July 2026.