Eligibility for the JobSeeker Payment:
To receive JobSeeker Payments, applicants need to:
- be between 22 years old and pension age.
- meet residence rules.
- pass an income and asset test.
In addition to the aforementioned criteria, applicants will need to be:
- unemployed or not in full-time work, and looking for work, or
- injured or sick and thus, unable to fulfill their usual work or study obligations for a short period of time.
Those who are accessing benefits such as annual and/or sick leave, or Income Protection Insurance, are not eligible for the JobSeeker Payment.
JobSeeker Payment Amounts:
The size of each payment is contingent on various factors, including recipients' familial structure and the amount of income earned over the past fortnight.
The table below is a guide only to the maximum biweekly payments individuals may qualify for. Visit servicesaustralia.gov.au to learn how income affects the size of each payout.
JobSeeker Payment Rates:
Circumstance | Maximum Biweekly Payment from September 20, 2023 |
|---|---|
Single individual, no children | A$749.20 |
Single individual with dependent child(ren) | A$802.50 |
Single individual over 55 years after 9 continuous months on a support payment | A$802.50 |
Partnered individual | A$686.00 |
Single principal carer granted exemption from specified mutual obligation requirements* | A$970.20 |
*foster carer; non-parent relative delivering care under a court order; member of a large family; distance learner; provider of homeschooling.
Accessing the JobSeeker Payment:
Services Australia suggests that applicants submit their JobSeeker Payment claims online. Here's how to do so:
- Create a myGov account, if needed. Services Australia has a step-by-step guide on how to do this.
- Link your myGov account to Centrelink if you have not done so already. To do this, sign in to myGov, click either "Link your first service" or "Services," select "Centrelink," and then follow the prompts.
- Sign in to your myGov account.
- Select "Centrelink."
- Click on "Get Started" in the category titled "Looking for work."
- Answer some pre-claim questions to determine your eligibility for the payment.
- Start your claim.
- Answer the questions presented to you.
- Read through your claim and submit it when you're ready.
Note that applicants may be required to submit supporting documents or visit a local service center to complete their claim.
Those who cannot or do not want to claim online can call the Job Seekers line or visit a nearby service center to receive assistance.
Mutual Obligation Requirements:
Recipients of the JobSeeker Payment must complete various tasks and activities assigned to them to remain eligible for continued support. These are referred to as mutual obligation requirements. Failure to meet these requirements may result in demerits or financial penalties. To receive a payment, applicants must do the following:
- Agree to a job plan.
- Meet the requirements of the job plan.
- Attend appointments with an employment service provider.
- Complete and report job searches.
- Got to all job interviews.
- Accept any job offer for suitable paid work.
- Not leave a training program, course, or job unless for a valid reason.
Individuals must submit an income report on a biweekly basis or as otherwise directed. Pertinent changes to an individual's circumstances must be reported within 14 days.
Additions and Exemptions
Note that principal carers, individuals aged 55 and older, and individuals in the Community Development Program may have different mutual obligations. Individuals who are classed in these categories should check Services Australia's website regularly.
Also, note that Services Australia grants exemptions from mutual obligations in exceptional circumstances. Examples include crises such as the loss of a loved one, domestic violence, or becoming homeless; disasters at home, such as a fire or flood; sickness or injury; and short-term caring responsibilities. Exemptions can be requested telephonically.