JobSeeker Payment — eligibility, tests and how to claim

Who it is for

people aged 22 to Age Pension age who are looking for work, or temporarily can't work because of illness or injury.

Main eligibility factors

• Aged 22 or over and under Age Pension age.
• Looking for work or temporarily incapacitated (with a medical certificate).
• Meet residence rules — newly arrived residents may wait.
• Agree to a job plan and meet mutual obligations.

Income and assets tests

• Personal and partner income test — payment reduces as income rises.
• Assets test.
• A liquid assets waiting period may apply if you have savings.

Documents and information to prepare

• Employment Separation Certificate or details of your last job.
• Bank, super and investment details.
• Partner's income details.
• Medical certificate if you can't work.

How to claim

1. Sign in to myGov and link your Centrelink online account (create one if needed).
2. Check you meet the rules on the official JobSeeker Payment page.
3. Start the claim online, answer every question and upload requested documents.
4. Respond to any request for more information by the date given — late replies can lead to rejection.
5. Track the claim status in your Centrelink online account or the Express Plus app.

Reporting and changes to check

• Tell Services Australia within the required time (usually 14 days) about changes to income, assets, relationship, address, rent or study load.
• If your payment requires fortnightly reporting, report even when you earned nothing — missed reports can pause payments.
• Keep payslips and statements; you may be asked to prove what you reported.

Common problems and next steps

• Payment suspended — usually a missed report or appointment; contact your employment services provider quickly.
• Waiting period applied — check the letter for the reason and end date.

Related pages

• Compare payments
• Rent Assistance
• Application support