he Centrelink Jobseeker Payment plays a vital role in supporting Australians who are unemployed or underemployed. With the June 2025 rate increase, the government continues to address the rising cost of living and strengthen the social safety net. Eligibility is based on age, residency, income, job-seeking activity, and work capacity. The application process is straightforward via myGov or in person. Centrelink employees are essential in delivering these services with professionalism and care. Understanding the payment’s history, criteria, and how to apply ensures individuals can access the support they need during periods of financial hardship.
Centrelink jobs involve working within Services Australia to support Australians accessing government payments and services. Employees may assist clients with welfare programs, job seeker support, and social security benefits like Jobseeker, Youth Allowance, and Disability Support Pension. Roles include customer service officers, social workers, IT specialists, and administrative staff. Workers are expected to provide accurate information, process claims, and ensure compliance with policies. These positions require good communication skills, empathy, and attention to detail. Centrelink jobs contribute directly to public welfare, offering stable employment with training and development opportunities. Positions are usually based in service centres or call centres nationwide.
Centrelink Job seekers payment June 2025
As of June 2025, Centrelink’s Jobseeker Payment has been adjusted to help recipients manage rising living costs. The new fortnightly rates are:
- Single (under 55): $785.40
- Single (55+ or long-term unemployed): $841.30
- Single with dependent child: $841.30
- Partnered (each): $714.90
- Principal carer (no mutual obligation): $1,007.80
- Partnered (one eligible, one not): $781.70
- Supplementary Allowance: $30.10
These increases are part of a broader welfare enhancement, reflecting Australia’s commitment to adjusting social safety nets in line with inflation and real-world challenges faced by low-income earners.

Eligibility for Jobseeker includes being aged 22 or above but below Age Pension age, actively seeking work or participating in approved training, meeting income and assets tests, and fulfilling mutual obligation requirements.
Existing recipients will see the updated rates automatically applied from 3 June 2025. To confirm your new payment amount, log in to your myGov account linked to Centrelink or contact Centrelink at 132 850.
History of the Centrelink Jobseeker Payment (and its predecessors) in Australia
Year | Payment Name | Key Features / Changes | Base Rate (Single, per fortnight) | Eligibility Notes |
1945 | Unemployment Benefit | Introduced under the Social Services Consolidation Act 1947 | £1 5s (approx.) | Adults aged 16+, able and willing to work |
1991 | Newstart Allowance | Replaced Unemployment Benefit; focus on active job seeking | ~$243.10 AUD | Aged 21 to pension age, actively seeking work |
1998 | Mutual Obligation | Introduced requirement to undertake training or community work | ~$310.00 AUD | Participation in approved activities required |
2006 | Welfare to Work reforms | Tighter eligibility; many moved to other payments like Youth Allowance or Parenting Payment | ~$420.00 AUD | Applied stricter job search and participation obligations |
2020 | Jobseeker Payment | Replaced Newstart; introduced as part of COVID-19 support reforms | $565.70 AUD | Extended to some casual workers and people stood down |
2020 | Coronavirus Supplement | Temporary boost due to COVID-19 ($550 extra per fortnight initially) | Up to $1,115.70 AUD | Paid in addition to Jobseeker during pandemic |
2021 | End of COVID supplement | Supplement removed; Jobseeker permanently increased by $50 fortnight | ~$620.80 AUD | Return to stricter mutual obligation requirements |
2023 | Increase in base rate | Budget increase to assist with cost of living | $693.10 AUD | Applied to all recipients under Age Pension age |
2025 | Latest adjustment | Cost-of-living increase announced in May Budget 2025 | $785.40 AUD | As of June 2025; includes CPI indexing |
Note: Rates have been indexed regularly, and amounts shown are approximate historical figures. For current and official rates, always refer to Services Australia.
Eligibility Criteria for Jobseeker Payment
Requirement | Details |
Age | Must be 22 years or older and below Age Pension age. |
Residency | Must be an Australian resident and living in Australia when you claim. |
Income and Assets | Your income and assets must be below certain limits. These vary based on individual or couple status. |
Employment Status | You must be unemployed or working less than 30 hours per week and actively seeking more work. |
Mutual Obligations | You must agree to a Job Plan, which may include job search, training, or volunteering. |
Capacity to Work | Must be able and willing to work, or temporarily unable due to illness or injury (with evidence). |
Other Payments | Cannot receive certain other government payments at the same time (e.g., Age Pension). |
Additional Notes:
Special rules may apply for principal carers of young children, people with a disability, or those experiencing domestic violence.
If you’re a recently arrived resident, you may have to serve a waiting period before qualifying.
How to Apply for Jobseeker Payment
You can apply for the Jobseeker Payment online through myGov, by phone, or in person at a Centrelink service centre. Here are the steps:
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Set Up a myGov Account
- Go to my.gov.au and create an account if you don’t have one.
- Link it to Centrelink using your Customer Reference Number (CRN).
- Prepare Your Documents
- You’ll need personal ID (e.g., driver’s licence, Medicare card).
- Provide details about your employment history, income, assets, and bank account.
- Submit an Online Claim
- Log into myGov and select “Jobseeker Payment” from Centrelink options.
- Fill out the claim form and upload required documents.
- Meet with a Services Australia Officer (if required)
- You may need to attend an interview or phone call to confirm your details.
- Agree to a Job Plan
- If eligible, you must accept a Job Plan which outlines your job search and training activities.
- Wait for Approval
- Centrelink will review your application. If approved, payments usually begin from your claim date.
Need Help?
- Call Centrelink on 132 850 (Monday to Friday).
- Or visit a local Services Australia office for face-to-face assistance.
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