Young and not working yet? Your idea could be your first job.

• Keep an incomeAges 16–21Job search required

  Youth Allowance while you build your business

  If you’re 16 to 21, Youth Allowance as a job seeker can support you while you plan and start a business. Business profit is assessed the same way as JobSeeker, and your Job Plan still applies.

  What is this, and what do I have to do? →
  • $482.40 a fortnight at 18+ living at home, $677.20 if you need to live away from home, $418.90 under 18 at home (from 20 September 2026)
  • Income over $150 a fortnight cuts it by 50c per $1 up to $250, then 60c per $1 above $250
  • Business profit counts after allowed costs, as an annual amount; report changes within 14 days
  • If you’re assessed as dependent, your parents’ income can also reduce it
  Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026
• Advice & supportJob search required

  Self-Employment Assistance

  A free Workforce Australia program that helps you test a business idea, write your business plan, get accredited training and one-to-one advice. It replaced NEIS in July 2022 and runs through local providers in 51 regions.

  What is this, and what do I have to do? →
  • Free Exploring Self-Employment Workshops (over 1 to 2 weeks), Business Plan Development and accredited Small Business Training such as the Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business
  • Up to 2 one-hour Business Advice Sessions and one 3-hour Business Health Check every 12 months
  • No job search requirement while you do Small Business Training (up to 8 weeks); other services earn 15 to 25 points
  • From age 15; Australian citizen, permanent visa or nominated visa holder; not an undischarged bankrupt
  Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026
• Keep an incomeJob search required

  JobSeeker Payment while you build your business

  Stay on JobSeeker Payment while you plan and start a small business. Your net business profit is set as an annual amount and spread across each fortnight, and your Job Plan still applies.

  What is this, and what do I have to do? →
  • $824.90 a fortnight if you’re single with no children; $883.30 with a dependent child, or at 55+ after 9 months on payment; $755.10 if partnered (from 20 September 2026)
  • The first $150 a fortnight is free, then it drops 50c per $1 up to $256 and 60c per $1 above (single, no children)
  • Business profit counts after allowed costs, as an annual amount divided over 26 fortnights; tell Centrelink within 14 days of any change
  • Your Job Plan continues unless your business passes the sufficient work test (profit ÷ $26.44 minimum wage = hours counted)
  Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026
• Lower contributions

  Small business income tax offset

  As a sole trader, the tax on your business profit is cut by 16%, up to $1,000 a year. The ATO works it out from your tax return; there is no separate application.

  • 16% of the tax on your net small business income, up to $1,000 a year (2021–22 onwards)
  • Sole traders, and shares of partnership or trust business income; aggregated turnover under $5 million
  • No offset if your net business income is a loss
  • Shown on your notice of assessment after you lodge
  Official siteChecked 25 Sept 2026

Summaries are simplified. Always check the official source before you apply.