You may have heard about JobSeeker payment. But do you know, who can get it, how much you can earn on JobSeeker, and how much you can get? To answer all your questions, we have sorted everything to help you understand everything about JobSeeker payment.
What is a JobSeeker Payment?
JobSeeker payment is a financial support given to those between 22 and age pension age who are exploring job opportunities. Additionally, you may also qualify for JobSeeker payment if you are injured or ill and can’t do your studies or work for a short time. To claim this payment, you must meet some rules. These include:
- You lie between 22 and Age Pension age
- You meet assets test
- You meet the income test
- You meet residence rules.
How much can I earn on JobSeeker?
If assets and income tests are satisfied, you can receive JobSeeker payment. You must mention your and your spouse’s income and assets to get paid the right amount.
- Income test
The amount you are allowed to earn prior to your payment reduces to zero based on your family situation.
| Family situation | If your income reaches this amount per fortnight, payment will be minimised to zero |
| Single with no children | $1,479.00 |
| Single, 55 years of age or above and have been receiving payment for past 9 months continuously | $1,583.50 |
| Principal, and single carer of a dependent child who is younger than 16, is exempt from mutual obligation requirements | $2,715.75 |
| Single and a principal carer with a dependent child who is younger than 16 | $2,273.75 |
| Single, with a dependent child who is younger than 16, but not the principal carer | $1,572.17 |
| Partnered | $1,368.00 for your income. $2,568.34 for your spouse’s income when you have income less than $150. |
Based on your situation, the rates of income you can earn may vary. This may include either:
- You are a principal carer of a dependent child who is younger than 16
- A pension payment is received by your spouse from Centrelink.
- Assets test
You are not subject to receiving payment if your assets are more than the following amounts.
| Family situation | Homeowners | Non-homeowners |
| Single | $314,000 | $566,000 |
| Couple combined | $470,000 | $722,000 |
| One partner eligible, combined assets | $470,000 | $722,000 |
The value and type of any assets you or your spouse own are included by Centrelink for the Asset test. Centrelink doesn’t include your main residence.
How much JobSeeker payment can you get?
You receive JobSeeker payment every 2 weeks. Your personal situation may affect the amount you receive. There has been an extension to the higher amount of JobSeeker Payment by Centrelink for those who are eligible to receive this amount. From 20 September, you may receive a higher payment if both apply:
- you are single
- you have evaluated you as having the ability to work less than 15 hours per week.
In the middle of your payment cycle, the increase may commence. However, you may not receive the full increase in your first payment after this date. In your next payment cycle, you will receive the full increase.
Who can get JobSeeker payment?
To get JobSeeker payment, you need to meet some conditions. The following are the eligibility rules to receive JobSeeker payment:
- You lie between 22 and Age Pension age
- you meet residence rules
- assets and income tests are satisfied
In addition to these eligibility rules, you must be one of the following:
- You are seeking for work and are unemployed.
- You are injured or ill and unable to do your usual study or work for a short time. In this case, you may have to provide a medical certificate to receive JobSeeker Payment.
You may not be liable to receive JobSeeker Payment if you receive payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
Conclusion
To apply for JobSeeker payments and claim this payment, you must meet certain eligibility rules, terms, and conditions. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, feel free to contact Centrelink for clarification.