If you’ve recently lost your job or are struggling to find consistent work, the Job Seeker Payment can provide vital financial support while you get back on your feet. Administered by Services Australia, this payment helps eligible Australians meet everyday living costs while actively looking for employment or participating in training and job programs.
In 2025, several updates have been made to payment rates, eligibility rules, and waiting periods, reflecting the rising cost of living and government adjustments to better support job seekers. Understanding these updates is essential to ensure you receive the right support and stay compliant with your mutual obligations.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the Job Seeker Payment in 2025 — including who can apply, how much you can receive, how income and assets affect your payments, and step-by-step instructions for claiming online through myGov.
Whether you’re new to the payment system, recently unemployed, or simply reviewing your options, this comprehensive overview will help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.
What is Job Seeker Payment?
Job Seeker Payment is the main income support payment from the Australian Government for people who are unemployed, underemployed, or temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury.
It is administered by Services Australia and provides regular financial assistance to help individuals cover basic living costs while they look for work or engage in approved training and employment activities.
Introduced to replace the former Newstart Allowance, the Job Seeker Payment is part of the government’s broader social support system aimed at helping Australians stay financially stable and connected to the workforce.
Recipients are generally required to meet mutual obligation requirements, such as actively searching for jobs, attending appointments, and participating in programs that improve employability.
This payment serves as both a financial safety net and a pathway back to employment, supporting Australians during periods of job loss, reduced work hours, or short-term incapacity.
Eligibility for Job Seeker Payment
To be eligible for Job Seeker Payment in Australia, you generally need to satisfy the following:
- Be aged 22 years or older, and below the Age Pension age
- Be unemployed, underemployed, or temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury
- Meet residency rules (you must live in Australia, be an Australian resident or hold an eligible visa)
- Pass the income and assets tests (your income and assets, and your partner’s, must be under certain limits)
- Agree to and comply with mutual obligations, such as actively looking for work, attending employment services, or completing approved training — unless you have an exemption
How Much You Can Get (as of March 2025)
| Situation | Maximum Fortnightly Payment |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | $781.10 |
| Single, with dependent child(ren) | $836.50 |
| Single, 55+ & on income support 9+ months | $836.50 |
| Partnered | $715.10 |
| Single principal carer (exempt from obligations) | $1,011.50 |
These are maximum base rates. The amount you receive depends on your income and assets.
Income and Assets Tests
Income Test
Your payment reduces as your income increases:
- You can earn a small amount before your payment is affected.
- Beyond a certain income threshold, your payment gradually decreases until it stops.
Assets Test
Assets you own (excluding your home) can impact eligibility.
Approximate limits:
- Single homeowner: $321,500
- Single non-homeowner: $579,500
- Couple homeowners (combined): $481,500
- Couple non-homeowners (combined): $739,500
If your assets exceed these limits, you may not qualify.
Waiting Periods
Before receiving Job Seeker Payment, you may have to serve one or more of the following:
- Ordinary Waiting Period: Usually 1 week
- Income Maintenance Period: If you received leave or redundancy pay
- Liquid Assets Waiting Period: If you have large savings or funds
Payments start once all waiting periods and verifications are complete.
Mutual Obligation Requirements
You’ll need to agree to a Job Plan, which may include:
- Applying for a set number of jobs each month
- Attending employment appointments
- Participating in training or education programs
Some people are exempt, such as:
- Principal carers
- People with medical exemptions
- Those in special circumstances
Missing requirements can pause your payments until you re-engage.
Tax, Reporting, and Updates
- Job Seeker Payment is taxable income.
- You can request tax withholding to avoid a year-end bill.
- Report your income every fortnight, even if it’s $0.
- Always update Centrelink if your circumstances change.
Additional Supports
You may also qualify for:
- Energy Supplement
- Rent Assistance
- Concession or Health Care Cards
- Employment or training bonuses
These are assessed automatically when you claim.
How to Apply
- Log in or create a myGov account linked to Centrelink
- Submit your claim for Job Seeker Payment
- Upload required documents – ID, income proof, bank details, separation certificates
- Wait for Services Australia to review and approve your claim
- Receive payments fortnightly into your nominated bank account
When Do Rates Change?
Job Seeker Payment rates are adjusted twice a year — in March and September — based on the Consumer Price Index and cost-of-living changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I work part-time and still get Job Seeker Payment?
Yes. You can earn some income before your payment reduces, depending on your earnings.
How long can I receive Job Seeker Payment?
There’s no fixed limit — you’ll continue to receive it while you meet eligibility and reporting obligations.
What if I miss job search activities?
Payments may be paused until you meet your obligations again.
Can I study while receiving the payment?
Yes, if your study or training is approved in your Job Plan and supports employment goals.
Is Job Seeker Payment taxable?
Yes. You can have tax automatically deducted from each payment.
How can I contact Services Australia?
You can call 132 850, visit a local Services Australia service centre, or use your myGov account.
Disclaimer-AssistInfoAU
AssistInfoAU (assistinfoau.com) is an independent information provider and is not affiliated with the Australian Government or Services Australia.
We share general information to help readers understand available support options.
For official, detailed, and up-to-date information, always visit the Services Australia Job Seeker Payment page directly.
Last reviewed: October 9, 2025
