If you’ve recently become unemployed or are facing reduced work hours, the Job Seeker Payment offers vital financial relief while you search for new opportunities or upskill for your next role. Managed by Services Australia, this government support aims to ease financial stress, covering essential living costs as you stay engaged with employment or training pathways.
In 2025, key updates have been introduced, including higher fortnightly payment rates, revised eligibility criteria, and shorter waiting periods to reflect the rising cost of living and strengthen assistance for Australians seeking stable work.
This comprehensive guide provides a clear breakdown of the latest Job Seeker Payment rates, eligibility requirements, and claim process, ensuring you understand how to qualify, apply, and maintain your payments confidently through myGov. Whether you’re entering the job market for the first time or rebuilding after a career change, this article will help you make informed decisions and access the support you deserve.
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
JobSeeker Payment Income and Assets Tests — 2025
Your eligibility and payment rate for the JobSeeker Payment depend on your income and assets. Both tests ensure that support is directed to those most in need.
Income Test
Your JobSeeker Payment gradually reduces as your income increases.
You can earn a modest amount before your payment is affected:
- Income-free area: You can earn up to $150 per fortnight before your payment is reduced.
- Reduction rate: Your payment reduces by 50 cents for each dollar earned above this threshold for singles, and 60 cents for couples combined.
- Once your income reaches the upper limit, your payment stops completely.
This system encourages recipients to take up part-time or casual work while maintaining partial payment support.
Assets Test
Your assets, excluding your principal home, also affect your eligibility.
If your total assets exceed the thresholds below, you may receive a reduced payment or no payment at all.
| Situation | Asset Limit (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Single homeowner | $321,500 |
| Single non-homeowner | $579,500 |
| Couple homeowners (combined) | $481,500 |
| Couple non-homeowners (combined) | $739,500 |
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 receive JobSeeker Payment?
Yes. You can work part-time and continue receiving JobSeeker Payment as long as your income stays within the allowable limits. Your payment will gradually reduce once you earn above the income-free threshold.
How long can I receive JobSeeker Payment?
There is no set time limit. You can continue to receive JobSeeker Payment while you remain eligible, meet your mutual obligation requirements, and regularly report your income and activities.
What happens if I miss my job search or reporting requirements?
If you don’t complete your job search, attend appointments, or report income on time, your payment may be suspended or delayed until you meet the required conditions. Staying up to date with your obligations is essential to keep your payments active.
Can I study or train while receiving JobSeeker Payment?
Yes. Study or training can be included in your Job Plan if it supports your employment goals. Approved courses and skill development programs can help you stay eligible while improving job prospects.
Is JobSeeker Payment taxable?
Yes. JobSeeker Payments count as taxable income. You can request Services Australia to automatically withhold tax from your payment to avoid a large tax bill at the end of the financial year.
How can I contact Services Australia?
You can reach Services Australia for JobSeeker-related inquiries through:
- Phone: 132 850
- Online: via your myGov account
- In person: at any local Services Australia service centre
Last reviewed: October 9, 2025
