Self-employment

If a client commences full-time self-employment (even if there is no or minimum income being earned) they will no longer qualify for Jobseeker Support.

If the client has a partner who meets the qualifications for Jobseeker Support in their own right, the partner can apply for Jobseeker Support as the primary client.

There is an exception for some clients, see:

• Temporary employment period for sole parent and grandparented clients before 30 June 2026
• Annual income for sole parent and grandparented clients before 30 June 2026

Note Jobseeker Support may be paid to clients investigating self-employment options if they continue to meet the job search requirements and understand that any offer of full time employment takes precedence over any part time activity or employment.

For more information see:

• Clients investigating self-employment options

If the client starts part-time self-employment, they may still be able to get Jobseeker Support, as long as they continue to meet their job search requirements. Any offer of suitable employment takes precedence over any part-time activity or self-employment that does not meet their work obligations.

For more information see:

• Suitable employment

If the person who has commenced self-employment (either part-time or full-time) is the partner, then the Jobseeker Support can continue with their earnings being charged as income against the benefit.

This is regardless of whether the partner has work obligations.

Note if the partner has full-time work obligations and is working 30 hours per week, or has part-time work obligations and is working 20 hours or more, they must be receiving an income from this employment to be meeting their work obligations. If they are not receiving any income from the self-employment, they must still be available for and actively seeking suitable employment.

For more information see:

• Charging income
• Employment related income
• Commission work