Changes to eligibility for some income support payments after 25 September 2020

Income test changes

The income free area for JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance for job seekers will increase. This means you can earn more but still get the maximum payment rates.

The income free area for these payments will increase to $300 per fortnight. The income free area is currently $106 for JobSeeker Payment and $143 for Youth Allowance.

If you earn above $300 per fortnight, your payment reduces by 60 cents for each dollar over this amount.

The Coronavirus Supplement isn’t counted as income.

There are no changes to the income free area and income test if you get Jobseeker Payment as a principal carer.

Means tests

From 25 September 2020, means testing will be reintroduced. This includes asset testing for all payments.

We’ll also reintroduce the Liquid Assets Waiting Period for new claims.

Partner income testing

There are changes to the JobSeeker Payment partner income test. Your payment will reduce by 27 cents, instead of 25 cents, for every dollar your partner earns over $1165 per fortnight. If your income is less than $300 per fortnight, your partner can earn up to $3086.11 before your payment reduces to zero.

Expanded eligibility criteria continues for income support payments

You may continue to be eligible for JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance for job seekers if your income has been affected. You need to meet any of the following criteria:

• permanent employees who are stood down or lose their employment
• sole traders, the self-employed, casual workers and contract workers who meet the income tests
• eligible individuals caring for someone affected by Coronavirus