Many Australians are struggling to find steady work or have lost jobs due to illness or other temporary issues. To help, the government offers the JobSeeker Payment, which provides regular financial support to those who qualify. This payment is designed to help people while they look for a new job or recover from short-term health problems.
From September 20, 2024, eligible individuals can receive up to $1007 every two weeks. The amount varies based on your situation, such as whether you have children, a partner, or any medical conditions. The payment is also taxable, so it’s important to keep that in mind when budgeting.
To get the JobSeeker Payment, applicants must meet certain rules about age, residency, income, and job-seeking activity. There are also specific conditions for those who are only temporarily sick or injured. Read on to learn who qualifies, how much you could get, and the steps to apply for this important government support.
Who Can Qualify for the JobSeeker Payment?
To be eligible for the JobSeeker Payment in Australia, you must meet these conditions:
- Be between 22 years old and Age Pension age
- Be an Australian resident and living in the country when applying
- Pass the income and asset test
- Be actively job hunting or temporarily unfit to work due to health issues
People who receive certain Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) payments may not be able to claim this benefit. You can check your eligibility using the Payment Finder Tool on the Services Australia website.
JobSeeker Support for the Unemployed
If you don’t have a job or are earning very little, you may be able to get this payment. You may qualify if you:
- Are completely unemployed and registered with a job provider
- Work part-time or casually but earn below the income limit
- Were stood down or had work hours cut due to economic changes
Any money you earn while getting JobSeeker must be reported, and your payment amount may be reduced if your income goes over a certain limit.
Support for People Temporarily Unfit to Work
JobSeeker is also available to people who can’t work for a short time because of illness or injury. To qualify under this condition:
- You must have a medical certificate from a doctor
- The illness or injury must be temporary
- You must be unable to work or study during this time
Medical documents need to be submitted when applying. If your condition lasts longer than expected, you may need to go through another eligibility check.
Residency Requirements and Wait Time
To receive the payment, you must be a permanent resident of Australia and be present in the country when applying.
If you’ve recently moved to Australia, you might need to wait up to four years to qualify. Some people, like long-term visa holders or refugees, may get exceptions to this rule.
Steps to Apply for JobSeeker Payment
You can apply for the JobSeeker Payment online. Here’s what to do:
- Make a myGov account and link it to Centrelink
- Verify your identity using documents like a Medicare card or driver’s license
- Submit your JobSeeker claim through the Centrelink online system
- Upload needed documents like medical certificates or job history
- Start reporting your income regularly as required
When Will You Start Getting Paid?
After your application is approved, payments normally start within two weeks. However, some people may face extra waiting periods due to:
- Having high savings or liquid assets
- Receiving a payout from a former job
- Completing contract or seasonal work recently
- Being a new permanent resident in Australia
You can track your application in real time on myGov.
What You Must Report While Receiving Payments
Once you start receiving the JobSeeker Payment, you need to keep Centrelink updated:
- Report your income every two weeks
- Tell them if your job status changes
- Let them know about family changes like marriage or having a baby
- Declare any extra income or support you receive
If you don’t follow these rules, your payment could be stopped or reduced.