$802.50 JobSeeker Payment in 2025 – Eligibility, Benefits and How to Qualify for Financial Support

The JobSeeker Payment is a crucial financial support system for unemployed Australians or those working limited hours. In 2025, the maximum fortnightly JobSeeker Payment has increased to $802.50, providing much-needed assistance to eligible individuals.

This guide will walk you through who qualifies, how to apply, income thresholds, mutual obligation requirements, and key updates for 2025. Whether you’re a new applicant or a current recipient, knowing these details will ensure you receive your rightful benefits without interruptions.

Overview

Topic	Details
Maximum JobSeeker Payment	$802.50 per fortnight
Eligibility Criteria	Age 22+, actively seeking work, meet income and asset tests
Income Test Threshold	$150 per fortnight before reduction
Mutual Obligation Requirements	Job applications, training, and meetings with employment services
How to Apply	Through MyGov or a Services Australia service centre
Official Source	Services Australia – JobSeeker Payment

The JobSeeker Payment in 2025 provides $802.50 per fortnight to eligible Australians, ensuring financial stability while they seek employment. To qualify, you must meet income and asset limits, actively look for work, and fulfill mutual obligation requirements.

For the latest information and to apply, visit Services Australia – JobSeeker Payment.

JobSeeker Payment

The JobSeeker Payment is the primary financial assistance program for unemployed Australians. It replaced Newstart Allowance in 2020 and has undergone several adjustments to reflect economic changes.

Increase

Several factors influenced the increase in JobSeeker payments:

• Inflation and Cost of Living Adjustments – Payments are adjusted to keep up with inflation.
• Economic Recovery Post-Pandemic – Ensuring unemployed Australians receive adequate support.
• Lobbying for Higher Welfare Payments – Advocacy groups argued that previous rates were too low.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for JobSeeker Payment in 2025, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Age Requirement

• You must be 22 years or older but below the Age Pension age.

Residency Status

• You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa.

Employment Status

• You must be unemployed or working limited hours and actively seeking more work.

Income and Assets Test

• Income threshold: You can earn up to $150 per fortnight before your payment is reduced.
• Taper rate: Earnings above $150 per fortnight reduce your payment at 50 cents per dollar (lower threshold) and 60 cents per dollar (higher threshold).
• Asset limit: Your total assets must be below $301,750 (homeowners) or $543,750 (non-homeowners).

Mutual Obligation Requirements

To continue receiving JobSeeker Payment, you must meet mutual obligations, which may include:

• Applying for a minimum number of jobs per month.
• Attending job training or employment services meetings.
• Completing Work for the Dole (if applicable).

How to Apply

Applying for JobSeeker Payment is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Check Your Eligibility

• Visit the Services Australia website to confirm you meet the eligibility requirements.

Set Up a MyGov Account

• If you don’t have a MyGov account, create one at my.gov.au and link it to Centrelink.

Submit Your Application

• Log in to MyGov and select Centrelink.
• Click on JobSeeker Payment and start your claim.
• Provide supporting documents (ID, income details, and employment history).
• Submit your claim for assessment.

Attend an Initial Appointment

• Once approved, you may need to attend an appointment with an employment services provider to discuss your job search plan.

Payment Rates

Recipient Category	Fortnightly Payment
Single (no children)	$802.50
Single (with dependent children)	$865.00
Partnered	$731.30
Single (over 60, long-term unemployed)	$874.30

Part-Time Work

Many JobSeeker recipients have part-time jobs while receiving payments. Here’s how income affects your payment:

• Earn up to $150 per fortnight → No reduction in payment.
• Earn $151 – $1,000 per fortnight → Payment reduces at 50 cents per dollar.
• Earn over $1,000 per fortnight → Payment reduces at 60 cents per dollar.

Example Calculations

1. If you earn $500 per fortnight:
   • Your JobSeeker Payment reduces by $175.
   • Calculation: $500 – $150 = $350 × 50% = $175 reduction.
2. If you earn $1,200 per fortnight:
   • Your payment reduces significantly and may be cut off.

Payment Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Reporting Income Correctly – Always report your gross income before deductions.
2. Missing Mutual Obligation Requirements – Failure to meet job search requirements can pause your payments.
3. Not Updating Centrelink on Life Changes – Report any changes in income, assets, or relationship status.

FAQs