The Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) has released its Raise the Rate Survey Report 2026, sharing the experiences of more than 1,500 people living on JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment and other working-age income support payments.
More than 1,500 people receiving income support from across Australia participated in ACOSS’s 2026 survey — more than twice the number of respondents to its previous survey two years ago.
The report explores people’s experiences of meeting essential costs while relying on income support, including:
- Housing and rent;
- Groceries;
- Transport;
- Energy bills;
- Healthcare;
- Social connection; and
- Physical and mental health.
Respondents also shared their experiences, concerns and hopes for the future in their own words.
The findings highlight the financial pressures facing people receiving working-age income support payments and the difficult choices many are making to meet everyday living costs.
ACOSS is using the findings to support its Raise the Rate for Good campaign, which calls on the Australian Government to increase the rate of income support payments.