The JobSeeker Payment from Centrelink is a key component of Australia’s social security system. It helps support those who are unemployed and those who can’t work due to medical conditions. For those eligible JobSeeker Payment recipients who are singles and do not have children, the JobSeeker Payment provides income support of $784 each fortnight. This is a result of indexation adjustments due to JobSeeker recipients. For more information on the support payment, payment, and payment eligibility criteria, key timeframes, and claiming process, please refer to the information below.
Overview of the JobSeeker Payment
The JobSeeker Payment is a social support payment for people aged 22 and over who are also under the Age Pension age. This is currently 66. It is the fortnightly $784 support payment received from Centrelink for the JobSeeker Payment. This amount will soon increase to $793.60, which is more than the base rate indexed to inflation. This payment is also higher for clients with children, single parents, persons over 55, and long-term income support recipients aged over 55.
| Category | Fortnightly Payment |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | $784 – $793.60 |
| Single, with children | $849.90 |
| Partnered | $726.50 |
Eligibility criteria
There are conditions that have to be met by the recipients. Specifically to be eligible to receive JobSeeker Payments recipients have to:
- Be between the ages of 22 and the current Age Pension age of 66.
- Be unemployed and seeking work, or temporarily unable to work or attend study due to illness.
- Meet the requirements for residency status (usually permanent residents who live in Australia).
- Pass income and assets tests — benefits decrease if personal or partner income/assets exceed certain limits.
If income exceeds the limits, payments will likely decrease and may be taken away completely. Child, disability, and special caring situations have some special exemptions and extra payments.
Information to Apply
Payments are assessed and adjusted for inflation in March and September. You can apply for payments up to 13 weeks before you expect to become unemployed or have an eligible change in circumstance. This is why it is advisable to apply for payments as soon as you become eligible, and as soon as job loss is confirmed, to avoid delays.
How to Apply for JobSeeker
The application process is very straightforward and it can be done entirely online:
- Create a myGov account and link it to Centrelink.
- Make a JobSeeker claim by selecting “Make a claim”, and provide the required documents (proof of identity, prior earnings, medical certificates, etc.).
- Complete the determination and upload any documents if instructed to do so.
- Access your claim and any notifications about it online or in the Centrelink app.
If you are unable to claim online, you can contact the Centrelink Office. They have phone support and can assist you in other languages.
Additional Notes & Considerations
- Withheld payments are still considered taxable income. Taxes will be taken out before you receive the payment.
- JobSeeker receipts may change the taxable income as well as the Child Support payment.
- Those who ‘qualify’ can access rent assistance, energy supplements, and other additional supports.
- You must report any changes concerning income, employment, or the structure of your household regularly to prevent overpayment and the possible debt that may follow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How much is the JobSeeker payment for a single person in 2025?
A: JobSeeker payment for single individuals is valued at $784-$793.60, dependent on personal circumstances, every fortnight.
Q2: Who is eligible for JobSeeker?
A: Australian residents aged 22 to Age Pension age who are unemployed and looking for work or who are temporarily unable to work or study due to illness.
Q3: How long does a claim take?
A: This varies depending on the claim, but it is usually a few weeks, however, the earlier a person applies, the shorter the wait for processing the claim.
