Updated April 2026 14 min read

Centrelink JobSeeker Payment: Eligibility, Rates & How to Apply (2025-26)

JobSeeker Payment is Australia's main income support payment for people who are looking for work or unable to work due to illness or injury. If you're a new migrant who has served the NARWP waiting period, or an Australian citizen who's lost their job, this guide explains everything — eligibility, current rates, mutual obligations, and exactly how to apply.

What Is JobSeeker Payment?

JobSeeker Payment (formerly known as Newstart Allowance) is an income support payment administered by Services Australia (Centrelink). It provides fortnightly payments to eligible Australians who are:

• Unemployed and looking for work
• Temporarily unable to work due to illness, injury, or disability
• Working part-time and earning below the income threshold

JobSeeker is paid fortnightly (every 2 weeks) directly into your bank account. The amount you receive depends on your personal circumstances — whether you're single or partnered, your age, whether you have dependent children, and any income or assets you have.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for JobSeeker Payment, you must meet ALL of the following criteria:

Age

• Be between 22 years old and Age Pension age (currently 67)
• If you're 15-21, you should apply for Youth Allowance instead

Residency

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Special Category visa (Subclass 444) as a New Zealand citizen
• Be living in Australia
• Have served the NARWP if you're a new permanent resident (4 years for visas granted after 1 January 2019)

Employment Status

• Be unemployed, or working part-time and earning below the income threshold
• Be willing and able to work — actively looking for employment or participating in approved activities
• Have a temporary incapacity for work (if claiming on medical grounds — you'll need a medical certificate)

Income & Assets

• Your income and assets must be below certain thresholds (detailed in the Income & Assets Test section below)
• Your partner's income and assets are also assessed if you have a partner

Current Payment Rates (2025-26)

JobSeeker Payment rates are indexed twice yearly (in March and September). The current maximum fortnightly rates as of March 2026 are:

Use our Centrelink Calculator to get a personalised estimate of your JobSeeker Payment based on your specific situation, including income test reductions and supplements.

Income & Assets Test

JobSeeker Payment is means-tested, meaning your payment reduces as your income or assets increase.

Income Test

The income test determines how much your payment is reduced based on your earnings:

• Income free area: You can earn up to $150 per fortnight without any reduction to your payment
• Taper rate (over $150): For every dollar you earn over $150 per fortnight, your payment reduces by 50 cents up to $256 per fortnight
• Higher taper (over $256): For every dollar over $256 per fortnight, your payment reduces by 60 cents
• Cut-off point: Your payment reduces to zero when your fortnightly income reaches approximately $1,420 (single, varies by circumstances)

Working Credit

Working Credit lets you build up credits during periods when you earn no income or low income. These credits can then offset your earnings when you start working, reducing the impact on your payment. You can accumulate up to 1,000 Working Credits.

Assets Test

The assets test looks at the total value of your assets (excluding your family home):

If your assets exceed these thresholds, your payment reduces by $3 per fortnight for every $1,000 over the limit. Assets include bank savings, investments, vehicles (over $10,000 value), and property other than your home.

Mutual Obligations

To continue receiving JobSeeker Payment, you must meet mutual obligation requirements. This is the "give and take" of the system — the government provides financial support, and in return, you actively seek employment.

What You Must Do

• Apply for jobs: You must apply for a minimum number of jobs each month (usually 15-20 per month, but this varies based on your circumstances and local job market)
• Attend appointments: Keep all appointments with your employment services provider (Workforce Australia or a Community Development Program provider)
• Report income: Report your income and any changes to your circumstances fortnightly through myGov or the Centrelink app
• Accept suitable work: If offered suitable employment, you're expected to accept it
• Participate in activities: Complete any required activities such as training courses, work experience, or volunteer work

Points-Based Activation System

Australia uses a points-based system for mutual obligations. Each activity earns points, and you must reach a target number of points each month. Activities include:

• Job applications (5 points each)
• Attending a job interview (10 points)
• Part-time or casual work (5 points per hour)
• Volunteering (5 points per hour)
• Study or training (5 points per hour)
• Attending a careers expo (10 points)

Exemptions

You may be temporarily exempt from mutual obligations if you have a medical condition, are caring for someone, have experienced a major personal crisis, or are over 55 and doing approved volunteer work of at least 30 hours per fortnight.

NARWP & Visa Holders

The Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period (NARWP) is the biggest barrier for new migrants wanting to access JobSeeker Payment. Here's what you need to know:

The 4-Year Wait

If your permanent visa was granted on or after 1 January 2019, you must wait 4 years from your qualifying date before you can receive JobSeeker Payment. This is measured from the later of:

• Your visa grant date, or
• The date you first arrived in Australia on that visa

Use our NARWP Countdown tool to calculate exactly when your waiting period ends.

Exemptions from NARWP

• Humanitarian visa holders (Subclasses 200-204, 866) — no NARWP
• Family violence victims — partner visa holders who experienced domestic violence from their sponsor
• Former refugees — if you previously held a humanitarian visa

Alternatives During NARWP

If you're in the NARWP period and need financial help:

• Special Benefit: Available if you're in severe financial hardship with no other options — read our Centrelink guide for new migrants
• Emergency Relief: Charities like the Salvos, Vinnies, and Anglicare provide emergency food, utility assistance, and small grants
• Settlement grants: Some settlement agencies provide one-off financial assistance

For a full explanation of NARWP including all waiting periods, see our NARWP Explained guide.

How to Apply Step by Step

Applying for JobSeeker Payment is done online through myGov. Here's the complete process:

1. Create a myGov account at my.gov.au if you don't already have one
2. Link Centrelink to your myGov account — you'll need to verify your identity (passport, visa details, or go in person to a Centrelink office)
3. Start an online claim — log into myGov, go to Centrelink, and select "Make a Claim" then "JobSeeker Payment"
4. Complete the claim form — provide personal details, living situation, income, assets, bank details, and employment history
5. Upload documents — you'll need identity documents, bank statements, proof of residency, rental agreement (if claiming Rent Assistance), and any medical certificates
6. Submit the claim and note your claim reference number
7. Attend a phone or in-person appointment — Centrelink will contact you to finalise your claim and set up your Job Plan
8. Connect with an employment provider — you'll be referred to a Workforce Australia provider who will help you find work

Add-On Payments & Supplements

In addition to the base JobSeeker rate, you may be eligible for these supplements:

Rent Assistance

If you're renting private accommodation, you can receive Rent Assistance on top of JobSeeker. The maximum rate is approximately $188.20 per fortnight for a single person (higher for families). Rent must exceed a minimum threshold before Rent Assistance kicks in.

Energy Supplement

A small additional payment of $14.10 per fortnight (single) to help with energy costs. This is automatically added if you're eligible.

Pharmaceutical Allowance

If you're on JobSeeker and meet certain criteria, you may receive $6.20 per fortnight to help with the cost of prescription medicines.

Health Care Card

JobSeeker recipients automatically receive a Health Care Card, which provides discounts on prescription medicines (PBS), bulk-billed doctors, and concessions on utility bills, public transport, and council rates in some areas.

Tips for JobSeeker Recipients

1. Report Income Accurately and On Time

Every fortnight, you must report your income through the Centrelink app or myGov by your reporting date. Late or incorrect reporting can result in payment delays or overpayments that you'll need to repay. Set a phone reminder for your reporting day.

2. Keep Records of Your Job Search

Document every job application — the date, position, company, and how you applied. Your employment provider may ask for evidence. Screenshots of applications and confirmation emails are useful proof.

3. Understand the Income Free Area

You can earn up to $150/fortnight without losing any payment. Taking on small casual or part-time work is encouraged and won't penalise your payment until you exceed this threshold. Even earning above the threshold, you'll always be better off working than not working due to how the taper rate works.

4. Lodge Claims Early If Approaching NARWP End

If your NARWP is about to end, lodge your JobSeeker claim up to 13 weeks before your NARWP end date. This gives Centrelink time to process your claim so payments start as soon as you're eligible.

5. Know Your Appeal Rights

If your claim is rejected or your payment is reduced, you have the right to request a review. The first step is an internal review by an Authorised Review Officer (ARO). If you're still unhappy, you can escalate to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). There's no cost for these reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get JobSeeker Payment after applying?

Processing typically takes 1-4 weeks, but it can take longer during busy periods. If you're in financial hardship while waiting, ask about a crisis payment or advance payment when you call Centrelink on 13 28 50.

Can I get JobSeeker while studying?

Generally, no — if you're studying full-time, you should apply for Austudy or Youth Allowance instead. However, you can study part-time while on JobSeeker, and some approved short courses count toward your mutual obligations.

What happens if I get a job while on JobSeeker?

Report your income each fortnight. Your payment will reduce gradually as your income increases (50c and then 60c for each dollar earned over the thresholds). Your payment only stops entirely when your income exceeds the cut-off point. If you lose the job, your payment can be restored quickly.

Can I travel overseas on JobSeeker?

Generally, no. JobSeeker is paused if you leave Australia. In limited circumstances (such as attending a funeral), you can get approval for a short absence. You must notify Centrelink before any overseas travel.

Can temporary visa holders get JobSeeker?

No. JobSeeker is only available to Australian citizens, permanent residents (after NARWP), and certain New Zealand citizens on Special Category visas. Temporary visa holders (student, working holiday, bridging) are not eligible.

What's the difference between JobSeeker and Special Benefit?

Special Benefit is a safety-net payment for people who don't qualify for any other payment (including during NARWP). It has no NARWP, but you must demonstrate severe financial hardship and that you've exhausted all other options. The rate is similar to JobSeeker.

Can my partner's income affect my JobSeeker?

Yes. If your partner earns above a certain threshold, your payment may be reduced or you may not be eligible. Partner income is assessed under the income test. If your partner earns more than approximately $1,280/fortnight, your payment starts to reduce.