JobSeeker

What is Jobseeker?

Jobseeker provides financial help if you’re between 22 and Age Pension age and looking for work. It’s also for when you’re sick or injured and can’t do your usual work or study for a short time.

How does it work?

To get Jobseeker Payment you need to meet some rules. These include:

• you’re between 22 and Age Pension age
• you meet the income and assets tests
• you meet residence rules.

You also need to meet rules for one of these situations:

• You meet Services Australia’s definition of unemployed and you’re looking for work.
• You’re sick or injured and are unable to do your usual work or study for a short time.

If you’re unemployed, or you’re not in full time work, you may get Jobseeker Payment. This can include if you’re doing part time or casual work.

You may be sick or injured, which stops you from doing your usual work or study for a short time. In this case, you may get Jobseeker Payment. You’ll need to meet certain rules and be able to provide a medical certificate.

How much will you receive?

Rates of payment differ for singles, couples, partnered, homeowners and non-homeowners. The amount of your payment will then be determined using the income and asset testing. The lower result of the two tests will apply.

Jobseeker is paid every 2 weeks.

Centrelink reviews the payment rates on March 20 and September 20 each year.

Refer to www.servicesaustralia.gov.au for details on current payment rates.

What should I be thinking about?

• The Jobseeker payment amount you receive is reviewed on a regular basis. If your financial circumstances change, your payment could be impacted.
• The Jobseeker payment is indexed twice a year (March and September) to help keep up with inflation.
• You must notify Centrelink of any significant changes or extended overseas travel (more than 6 weeks), within 14 days, for a review of your entitlements.
• Centrelink payments are subject to legislative change which may impact your entitlement in the future. A review of your income requirements will be needed should this happen.

This information is of a general nature. It does not consider your personal objectives, needs or situation. It does not represent legal, tax or personal advice and should not be taken as such. If it has been provided to you with a Statement of Advice (SoA), you should rely on the personal advice in the SoA.

Care has been taken to provide up to date and accurate information relating to the subject area however BR Advice Pty Ltd (ABN 30 612 056 523, AFSL 488655), Blue Rock Private Wealth Pty Ltd (ABN 95 166 927 055, AFSL 452733), Blue Rock Private Wealth (Melb) Pty Ltd (ABN 48 652 202 698, ASIC AFS No. 1298365) and their representatives make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness.

Published: September 2022.

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