Am I Eligible for JobSeeker Payment in Australia?
Last updated: June 2026
What Is JobSeeker Payment?
JobSeeker Payment is the main income support payment for working-age Australians who are looking for work or unable to work due to illness or injury. It replaced Newstart Allowance in 2020.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible you must:
- Be aged 22 to 66 (below Age Pension age)
- Be an Australian resident (citizen, permanent resident, or certain visa holders)
- Meet the income and assets tests
- Be willing to meet your mutual obligation requirements (unless exempt)
- Not be in full-time paid work or receiving another income support payment
Income Test
JobSeeker uses a means test. The payment reduces once your fortnightly income exceeds the free area:
| Your situation | Income free area (fortnightly) |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | $150 |
| Single, with children | $256 |
| Partnered (each partner) | $150 |
Payment reduces by 50 cents per dollar between the free area and $256/fortnight, and by 60 cents per dollar above that.
Assets Test
You must not own assets (excluding your home) above the asset limits. Limits vary by homeowner status and whether you have a partner. Check the current Centrelink thresholds at servicesaustralia.gov.au as they are indexed regularly.
Mutual Obligation Requirements
Most JobSeeker recipients must:
- Actively look for work (typically 15 jobs per fortnight)
- Complete activities in their Job Plan
- Attend appointments with their employment service provider
Exemptions from Mutual Obligations
You may be exempt if you:
- Have a temporary incapacity (with a medical certificate)
- Are a principal carer of a child under school age
- Are experiencing a major personal crisis such as domestic violence
How to Apply
- Create a myGov account at my.gov.au and link Centrelink
- Lodge a claim online or call 132 850
- Attend an interview if required
Apply early — payment does not backdate before your claim lodgement date.
Key Points
- For working-age Australians 22–66 who are looking for work or temporarily unable to work
- Income and assets tests apply
- Mutual obligations (job searching, appointments) are required unless exempt
- Apply as soon as you become unemployed — payment starts from your claim date