Australia’s social security system provides critical support to those experiencing unemployment or financial hardship. The JobSeeker Payment is one of the main income support payments available to eligible Australians, including young people who are looking for work, unable to work, or studying part-time.
This guide will explore the JobSeeker Payment specifically for youth in 2025, including eligibility requirements, payment rates, and the application process.
What is the JobSeeker Payment?
The JobSeeker Payment is Australia’s primary income support payment for working-age individuals who are unemployed and looking for work.
It replaced the former Newstart Allowance in 2020 and has undergone several adjustments since then, including the 2025 rate changes.
JobSeeker Payment Rates for Youth in 2025
As of 2025, the JobSeeker Payment rates for young Australians vary depending on age, living circumstances, and other factors.
The base rate for single recipients under 22 with no children is approximately $798 per fortnight. However, this amount can change based on:
- Whether you live independently or with parents
- If you have dependent children
- Your relationship status (single, partnered)
- Any income you may earn from part-time or casual work
- Other circumstances that may affect your payment rate
These rates are indexed twice yearly (March and September) to keep pace with inflation, so the exact amount may adjust slightly throughout the year.
Eligibility Criteria for Youth
To qualify for the JobSeeker Payment as a young Australian in 2025, you must:
- Be between 16 and 22 years old (over 22, you’ll be assessed under standard adult criteria)
- Meet residency requirements (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder)
- Be actively looking for work, or have a temporary exemption due to illness or other circumstances
- Have income and assets below certain thresholds
- Not be receiving other income support payments (like Youth Allowance or Austudy)
- Meet mutual obligation requirements (unless exempt)
Special Considerations for Youth
Young people face some specific eligibility considerations:
- If you’re under 22 and still living at home, your parents’ income may affect your payment rate through the Parental Income Test
- Full-time students are generally not eligible (they may qualify for Youth Allowance instead)
- School leavers may need to serve a waiting period before payments begin
- Young people with partial capacity to work due to disability or medical conditions may receive additional support
How to Claim JobSeeker Payment in 2025
Claiming the JobSeeker Payment involves several steps, which can be completed online, by phone, or in person. Here’s a detailed guide:
Step 1: Prepare Your Documentation
Before starting your claim, gather the following documents:
- Proof of identity (passport, driver’s license, birth certificate)
- Tax File Number (TFN)
- Bank account details for payment deposits
- Details of any income or assets
- Rental agreement or proof of housing costs (if applicable)
- Medical certificates (if claiming exemption from job search due to illness)
- Details of job search activities (if already looking for work)
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Use the Services Australia website’s Payment and Service Finder tool to confirm your eligibility and estimate your potential payment amount.
This will help you determine if JobSeeker is the right payment for your circumstances or if you should apply for Youth Allowance instead.
Step 3: Create or Access Your myGov Account
All social security claims in Australia are processed through myGov, the government’s online services portal:
- Go to my.gov.au and either log in to your existing account or create a new one
- Link your myGov account to Centrelink (if not already linked)
- If creating a new Centrelink link, you’ll need to provide personal information to verify your identity
Step 4: Submit Your Claim
Through your myGov account:
- Select “Centrelink” from your linked services
- Choose “Make a claim” or “Claims” from the menu
- Select “Job seeker payments” from the options
- Answer all questions truthfully and completely
- Upload any required documentation
- Review your claim before submitting
- Submit your claim and note your receipt number
Step 5: Attend Your Initial Assessment
After submitting your claim, you’ll usually need to:
- Book and attend an appointment with a Services Australia officer (this may be in person or via phone/video call)
- Verify your identity in person if you haven’t previously done so
- Discuss your job search capabilities and any barriers to employment
- Set up your Job Plan, which outlines your mutual obligation requirements
Step 6: Register with an Employment Services Provider
As part of receiving JobSeeker Payment, you’ll be required to:
- Register with an employment services provider in your area
- Attend regular appointments with your provider
- Work with them to develop your Job Plan
- Meet mutual obligation requirements, which typically include applying for a specified number of jobs each month
Step 7: Start Reporting and Receiving Payments
Once approved:
- You’ll receive notification of your payment schedule (typically fortnightly)
- You must report your income and activities every two weeks through your myGov account
- Payments will be deposited into your nominated bank account
Mutual Obligation Requirements for Youth
To continue receiving JobSeeker Payment, young recipients must meet mutual obligation requirements, which typically include:
- Applying for a specified number of jobs each month (usually 15-20)
- Attending appointments with your employment services provider
- Participating in approved activities such as training, education, or Work for the Dole programs
- Reporting your income and activities fortnightly
- Accepting suitable job offers
There are some exemptions available for those with medical conditions, caring responsibilities, or other special circumstances.
Managing Your JobSeeker Payment
Reporting Income
If you find part-time or casual work while receiving JobSeeker Payment, you must report:
- All income earned during each reporting period
- Hours worked
- Changes in circumstances
The JobSeeker Payment has an income test, meaning your payment will reduce gradually as you earn more income. In 2025, you can earn up to a certain threshold (approximately $150 per fortnight) before your payment begins to reduce.
Complementary Programs for Youth
Young JobSeeker recipients may also be eligible for:
- Rent Assistance if paying private rent
- Health Care Card for discounted medications and services
- Youth Disability Supplement for those with partial capacity to work
- Education supplements if undertaking approved study
- Mobility Allowance if unable to use public transport due to disability
Tips for Maximizing Your JobSeeker Experience
- Keep all appointments with Centrelink and your employment services provider
- Report accurately and on time to avoid payment suspensions
- Update your contact details promptly if they change
- Seek assistance with resume writing and interview skills through your provider
- Consider upskilling through short courses or volunteer work while job hunting
- Explore apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities, which offer both income and training
- Request assistance with work-related expenses like clothing or transportation
Common Challenges and Solutions
Payment Delays
If your payment is delayed:
- Check your myGov account for messages about missing information
- Contact Centrelink through your myGov account or the JobSeeker line
- Ensure all required documentation has been submitted
- If experiencing financial hardship due to delays, you may be eligible for urgent payments
Payment Suspensions
If your payment is suspended:
- Log into myGov to check the reason for suspension
- Complete any outstanding requirements (like missed reporting or appointments)
- Contact your employment services provider if the suspension relates to mutual obligations
- Once requirements are met, payments will usually resume at the next scheduled payment date
Transitioning Off JobSeeker
When you find employment:
- Report your new employment through myGov
- Your payment will adjust based on your income
- If working full-time, your payment will eventually reduce to zero
- Keep your Centrelink record active for 12 weeks after your payment stops in case your situation changes
- You may be eligible for Working Credit, which allows you to keep more of your payment when first starting work
The JobSeeker Payment provides essential support for young Australians navigating unemployment or underemployment.
By understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and your obligations, you can maximize this support while working toward financial independence.
Remember that the payment is designed as a temporary measure while you seek sustainable employment, and various complementary programs are available to help you develop skills and find work.
For the most current information, always refer to the Services Australia website or contact Centrelink directly, as payment rates and policies may be updated throughout 2025.