Making money through work

Learn how to earn more by finding a second job, starting a business or working while you get a Centrelink payment.

Finding a second job

If you're looking for more ways to make money, you may consider:

finding a second job
working in the sharing or gig economy, such as being a ride share driver or renting out your home.

If you work more than one job, there are changes to how you pay income tax. Generally, you can only claim the tax-free income threshold from one job.

Find out more about looking for work and the tax changes from a second job. Some of these links will take you away from myGov.

Where to find jobs
There are many resources and services available to help you find a job.
Get help to apply for jobs
There are many resources available to help you apply for jobs.
Income from more than one job
Find out about the tax-free threshold and having a second job on the Australian Taxation Office website.
Sharing economy and tax
Find out about the sharing economy and how your super and tax are impacted on the Australian Taxation Office website.

Start a business

If you’re thinking about starting a small business, you’ll need an Australian business number (ABN). This includes when you work for yourself as a self employed sole trader. It’s free to register for an ABN online.

The business.gov.au website has guides and training to help you get started. These links will take you away from myGov.

Guide to starting a business
Find out what steps to take when you’re starting a business.
Small business training
You may be able to do small business training if you want to start a business or need help to refocus your business.

Work while you get a Centrelink payment

If you get a Centrelink payment, you can usually work and earn money at the same time. Some payments have an income test, and you’ll also need to report your and your partner’s income to Centrelink.

If you or your partner are self employed or have a business, you usually report your business income once a year.

Find out about reporting your income on a payment and what to do if you're self employed or a sole trader. These links will take you to the Services Australia website.

Employment income reporting
To pay you the right amount, Centrelink need to know you and your partner’s gross employment income.
Income from self employment
If you’re self employed, you need to tell Centrelink about your business income.
Sole trader or partnership income
Business income is counted in the income test for Centrelink payments.
Income
Most types of income count in your income test. Centrelink uses this to work out if you can get a payment, and how much.

Getting a Work Bonus

You may be eligible for the Work Bonus if you’re over the Age Pension age and get either:

Age Pension
Carer Payment
Disability Support Pension.

The Work Bonus lets you work and earn more money without reducing the amount of your payment. Find out more about the Work Bonus on the Services Australia website.

Understanding income rules for student payments

If you get Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY, you can work up to a certain amount each fortnight without your payment reducing. This is known as the Income Bank. Find out more about the Income Bank on the Services Australia website.

Understanding JobSeeker Payment income rules

If you get JobSeeker Payment, you can earn up to a certain amount before your payment is reduced. Find details about the income test for JobSeeker Payment on the Services Australia website.

Page last updated: 26 March 2024