Centrelink Mutual Obligations: What You Must Do to Keep Receiving Payments
Last updated: June 2026
What Are Mutual Obligations?
Mutual obligations are the activities you must meet to keep receiving JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance (jobseeker). You receive income support and in return you take active steps to find work or improve your employability.
Your Job Plan
When you first claim JobSeeker, your employment service provider (Workforce Australia) creates a Job Plan setting out activities you must complete each fortnight, including:
- Job searches (typically 15 applications per fortnight)
- Attending provider appointments
- Completing training or study
- Participating in government employment programs
Points-Based Activation
JobSeeker operates on a points-based system:
- Each job application: 5 points
- Skills training or short course: variable points
- Interview: 5 points per interview
You need to accumulate the required points each fortnight.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Missed requirement without excuse: Demerit point recorded
- Accumulating demerits: Triggers a Capability Interview
- Serious failure: An 8-week non-payment period in some circumstances
Missing an appointment without a valid reason causes a payment suspension — your payment stops until you re-engage.
Who Is Exempt
You may be temporarily or fully exempt if you:
- Have a temporary medical condition (valid medical certificate required)
- Are a principal carer of a child under school age
- Are pregnant (within 6 weeks of due date)
- Are caring for someone who is ill
- Are experiencing a major personal crisis including domestic violence
- Are doing approved full-time study
Reasonable Excuse
If you miss a requirement with a reasonable excuse (illness, emergency, transport failure), report it to your provider or Centrelink immediately — ideally the same day.
Key Points
- Mutual obligations require active job searching, appointments, and activities
- Missing requirements without excuse triggers the demerit system
- Exemptions are available for medical conditions, caring responsibilities, and personal crises
- Report any issues to your provider or Centrelink immediately to avoid suspensions