JobSeeker Payment Changes

Currently, if you are single with no dependents, you are receiving about $565 a fortnight base rate, and $550 coronavirus supplement. From Friday, the Government will cut back the coronavirus supplement to $250.

This will continue until the end of the year, but it is unclear what will happen after that.

There will also be other factors that would affect the base rate payment. For example,

• You will lose 60 cents in Jobseeker payments for each dollar you earn above $300 per fortnight;
• Assets test will be reinstated; if you have assets worth more than $482,000 (or $268,000 if you own a home), you won’t be able to access Jobseeker;
• You will lose 27 cents per dollar your partner earns above $1,165 per fortnight. This means that you payment will reduce to nil if your partner earns more than $3,086.11 per fortnight.

You will also have to search up to eight jobs each month to meet the mutual obligation requirement.