LIFE EVENTS
Start with what's happening in your life
You don't need to know payment names. Choose your situation and we'll show the steps in order, the support to look at, and what to tell Centrelink.
Choose your situation ↓What's happening for you?
Coming soon: Separating · Moving house · Arriving in Australia · Losing someone · Leaving prison
YOUR SITUATION
Looking for work
If you've lost your job, had your hours cut or are looking for work, here's what to do first and what support to check.
Checked 12 Oct 2026
Your steps, in order
0 of 5 done-
Gather your documents
Proof of identity, bank details, and an Employment Separation Certificate from employers you've left.
-
Check what you might get
Use the payment estimator with your own income to see roughly what JobSeeker could pay.
-
Claim through myGov
Link Centrelink to your myGov account and start a claim online.
-
Set up your job plan
Agree your mutual obligation requirements, such as job searches and appointments.
-
Report your income every fortnight
Report on time, even if you earned nothing, to keep getting paid.
Support to look at
May help if you're aged 22 to Age Pension age and looking for work.
Up to $833.70 a fortnight · from 20 Sep 2026
Read the guide →May help if you're under 22 and looking for work.
Read the guide →May be added to your payment if you pay private rent.
Read the guide →Cheaper medicines and other discounts. Often comes with JobSeeker.
Read the guide →"May help" isn't a decision about your eligibility. Rates are maximums before income and assets tests (DSS).
Tell Centrelink if…
- You start work or your hours change
- Your partner's income changes
- You move house or your rent changes
Changes usually need to be reported within 14 days (check your letters for your exact time frame).
If things are hard right now
Whatever your situation, these services can help today. In an emergency, call 000.
000
Emergency
Police, fire or ambulance
13 11 14
Lifeline
24/7 crisis support
1800 737 732
1800RESPECT
Family, domestic and sexual violence
1800 007 007
National Debt Helpline
Free financial counselling
Numbers to be verified before launch. Fair Go Guide is not a crisis service.
Your situation isn't listed?
Browse every guide by topic, or tell us what's happening and we'll add it to our list.
Frequently asked questions about Centrelink and life events
I just lost my job — what should I do first?
Contact Centrelink as soon as possible — ideally within 7 days of becoming unemployed — to preserve your payment start date. Then:
- Get your Employment Separation Certificate from your former employer (required for most claims)
- Set up a myGov account and link it to Centrelink
- Start your JobSeeker Payment claim online
- Agree your mutual obligation requirements with your employment service provider
See Services Australia — JobSeeker Payment for the full claim process.
What is mutual obligation and what do I have to do?
Mutual obligation is a set of activities job seekers must do to keep receiving JobSeeker or Youth Allowance (job seeking). Requirements are set out in your Job Plan and typically include:
- Applying for a set number of jobs per month
- Attending appointments with your employment service provider
- Participating in approved employment programs
Requirements depend on your age, circumstances and location. Full details are in the Social Security Guide — Mutual Obligation Requirements. Your provider through Workforce Australia will help you set this up.
Can I receive Centrelink while receiving superannuation?
It depends on the type of super payment:
- Regular super pension (income stream): Generally counted as income for the income test and may reduce your payment
- Lump sum from super: Assessed as an asset and may also be subject to deeming rules
Centrelink assesses each situation individually. The Social Security Guide — Superannuation has the detailed rules. We recommend contacting Services Australia's Financial Information Service (FIS) for free, independent advice.