JobSeeker Payment is Centrelink's main income support payment for people who are unemployed and looking for work, or unable to work temporarily due to illness or injury. This page is general information only.
General eligibility
Eligibility generally depends on your age, income, assets, and residency status, and requires you to be actively looking for suitable work unless you have an approved exemption — exact thresholds and rules are set and updated by Services Australia.
Mutual obligation requirements
Most recipients need to meet mutual obligation requirements, such as applying for a set number of jobs or attending appointments with an employment services provider, to continue receiving the payment — these requirements can be paused or adjusted in specific circumstances.
Income and assets testing
Payment amounts are reduced as your (and your partner's, if applicable) income rises above a threshold, and can cut out entirely above certain income or asset levels — these thresholds are reviewed periodically.
Where to check current details
Because rates, thresholds and requirements change regularly, always confirm current figures and your own eligibility on servicesaustralia.gov.au rather than relying on a figure from this or any other general guide.