Losing your job is never easy, and for thousands of Australians, it can happen suddenly. If you’ve recently become unemployed due to redundancy, illness, or injury, Centrelink provides financial support to help you get back on your feet.
$836 Centrelink Payment for Unemployed
One of the main forms of assistance is the JobSeeker Payment, which can provide up to $836.50 per fortnight depending on your personal situation.
Who Can Get the JobSeeker Payment?
You may qualify for the JobSeeker Payment if you:
- Are an Australian resident aged between 22 and Age Pension age.
- Meet the income and assets test.
- Are willing and able to work (unless you are temporarily sick or injured).
Your payment amount depends on whether you have a partner, children, or other sources of income.
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →Current JobSeeker Payment Rates (as of March 20, 2026)
- Single, no children – $781.10 per fortnight
- Single, with dependent child/children – $836.50 per fortnight
- Single, aged 55+ after 9 continuous months on support – $836.50 per fortnight
- Single, partial capacity to work (under 15 hours weekly) – $836.50 per fortnight
- Partnered – $715.10 per fortnight
- Single principal carer with exemption (e.g. foster caring, home schooling, large family) – $1,011.50 per fortnight
Keep in mind: redundancy payouts or leave payments can delay when your JobSeeker starts.
Mutual Obligations You Must Meet
To keep receiving JobSeeker, most recipients need to meet mutual obligation requirements, such as:
- Actively applying for jobs.
- Attending training or skills programs.
- Reporting your income (and your partner’s income) every two weeks, even if it’s $0.
Some exemptions apply, such as illness or certain caring responsibilities.
Extra Support While You’re Looking for Work
Centrelink also offers tools to help you return to the workforce. These include:
- Resume writing assistance.
- Interview preparation.
- Training and upskilling to match local job opportunities.
There’s also a free Financial Information Service (FIS) you can contact to better understand your options before claiming JobSeeker.
Be Aware of Job Scams
Sadly, scammers target Australians searching for work. Watch out for:
- Jobs that ask for money upfront.
- Requests for your myGov login details.
- Unrealistic offers of high pay for little effort.
- Job offers via social media, WhatsApp, or suspicious emails.
Never share sensitive details unless you are certain the job is legitimate.
Other Payments to Consider
If JobSeeker isn’t right for you, Services Australia also provides other forms of support such as:
- Youth Allowance (for younger job seekers and students).
- Parenting Payment (for eligible parents).
- Additional help depending on your personal situation.
How to Get Help
Before claiming, it’s smart to speak with a Financial Information Service officer who can explain how redundancy or termination payments might affect your eligibility.
You can use the Payment and Service Finder on the Services Australia website or call 132 300 and ask for the Financial Information Service.
