JobSeeker Payment is Australia's main income support for people of working age who are unemployed or unable to work temporarily. This guide covers eligibility, rates and how to apply.
Aged 22 to 66 (under Age Pension age), Australian resident, looking for work or temporarily unable to work due to illness. Must meet income and assets tests.
Full eligibility: Services Australia.
From 20 September 2026 (including Energy Supplement):
Claim online through myGov. See the JobSeeker claim guide for step-by-step instructions.
The official source for this guide is Services Australia. All information on this page is checked against that source and dated October 2026.
This guide was last checked in October 2026. Centrelink rates and rules change — always verify against the official source before making decisions.
This guide will help you understand your entitlements and prepare your claim, but you must submit the actual claim through myGov or at a Centrelink service centre. We never ask for or store any personal information.