Title: JobSeeker self-employed calculator (2026) > See how much JobSeeker you keep each fortnight while your business earns, and what Small Business Coaching pays instead. Free, using Services Australia rules. Source: https://pontia.xyz/au/jobseeker-self-employed-calculator/ Checked: 25 September 2026 Free · official rates · checked 26 September 2026 # JobSeeker self-employed calculator Starting a business on JobSeeker? Enter your expected profit and see what you’d keep each fortnight at today’s rates, and how that compares with the Self-Employment Allowance in Small Business Coaching. ## How JobSeeker treats business income Centrelink takes your **net business profit** as an annual amount and divides it across 26 fortnights. The first **$150 a fortnight** is free; then your payment drops 50c for each dollar up to $256 and 60c for each dollar above. Your Job Plan and points target continue unless the business is enough to pass the sufficient work test. Make every month of your support count Budgets built from your numbers, a clear plan, and the tools to build it. Free. [Start my plan](https://pontia.xyz/au/start?scheme=au-jobseeker&status=have&from=au-calculator-mid) ## JobSeeker or Small Business Coaching? Once your business plan is approved, **Small Business Coaching** gives you 12 months of mentoring with no mutual obligations, and the **Self-Employment Allowance** at the single JobSeeker rate for up to 39 weeks, whatever the business earns. ## Questions Can I get JobSeeker while starting a business?+ Yes. You can stay on JobSeeker Payment while you plan and start a small business. Your net business profit is set as an annual amount and spread over each fortnight, and your Job Plan still applies unless the business passes the sufficient work test. How much can I earn on JobSeeker before it drops?+ The first $150 a fortnight is free. Above that your payment drops 50 cents for each dollar up to $256, then 60 cents for each dollar over $256. A single person with no children is paid nothing above $1,557.17 a fortnight. Do I report business income every fortnight?+ No. You report job wages every fortnight, even if $0. Business income goes to Centrelink separately: tell them within 14 days of starting, with a Business details form (MOD F) and a Profit and Loss Statement (SU580), then an interim statement every 3 months until a tax return is available. What is the Self-Employment Allowance?+ In Small Business Coaching, part of Self-Employment Assistance, the allowance replaces JobSeeker at the single rate for up to 39 weeks and is not reduced by what the business earns. You have no mutual obligation requirements during the 12 months of coaching. Sources, checked 26 September 2026 - [Services Australia: How much JobSeeker Payment you can get](https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-much-jobseeker-payment-you-can-get) - [Services Australia: Income test for JobSeeker Payment](https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/income-test-for-jobseeker-payment?context=51411) - [Services Australia: Sole trader or partnership income](https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/sole-trader-or-partnership-income?context=51411) - [DEWR: Self-Employment Assistance services](https://www.dewr.gov.au/self-employment-assistance/services) Estimate and guidance only. Estimate and guidance only. Confirm with your benefit office, the official website or an adviser. Rules change, and your situation changes the outcome. Not a government service. Not financial, tax or legal advice. ## Your start-up support is a head start. Use it well. Plan your money, pick what you’ll build, and get the tools to build it. Free, and nobody sees your plan but you. [Sign up free](https://pontia.xyz/au/start?scheme=au-jobseeker&status=have&from=au-calculator-end) Free forever · No card · No hidden charges Cite this page "JobSeeker self-employed calculator (2026)", Pontia, https://pontia.xyz/au/jobseeker-self-employed-calculator/ (updated 25 September 2026) ## Related guides and tools - [Start your business and keep your payment](https://pontia.xyz/au/) - [Mutual obligation points, without the admin](https://pontia.xyz/au/mutual-obligation-points/) - [Young and not working yet? 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It is not a government service and not financial, tax, legal or benefits advice; always check the official source linked on the page. Some tool links are affiliate links: we may earn a fee at no cost to you, and free options come first. Contact: hello@pontia.xyz Cite as: "JobSeeker self-employed calculator (2026)", Pontia, https://pontia.xyz/au/jobseeker-self-employed-calculator/ (updated 25 September 2026) Whole site in one file: https://pontia.xyz/llms-full.txt