Australia’s welfare support system is in for a change, as the Federal Government has confirmed the JobSeeker Payment will increase to $781 per fortnight. The increase payment is expected to help many Australians who are currently unemployed, underemployed, and struggling to survive on a meager income.
Why the Increase Was Announced
Voices from advocacy groups along with wider societal unrest has forced the government to respond and increase the JobSeeker Payment to $781 a fortnight. This decision is likely to be welcomed, as it responds to long-standing advocacy demands and attempts to bring the gap between the minimum wage and the unemployment benefit closer.
Check Who Is Eligible for the $781 Payment?
- Age 22
- Are looking for a job or are participating in approved training for employment.
- Hold a visa that allows humanitarian pathways, is an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident.
- -Comply to the income and assets thresholds of Services Australia.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Payment Amount | $781 per fortnight (base rate) |
| Effective From | Upcoming Centrelink payment cycle (within weeks of announcement) |
| Eligibility (Age) | 22 years and above, but below Age Pension age |
| Residency Status | Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible humanitarian visa holders |
| Work Requirements | Must be actively looking for work or participating in approved job training |
| Income & Asset Tests | Applicants must pass Centrelink’s financial tests |
| Additional Supports | Rental assistance, family/dependent child payments, study/training supplements |
| Automatic Adjustment | Current recipients automatically moved to new $781 rate |
| Purpose of Increase | To ease cost-of-living pressures and strengthen welfare safety net |
| Concerns Raised | Still falls below poverty line; not enough to cover high rent and city living costs |
| Government Position | Balancing stronger support with budget responsibility |
| Next Steps | Review of broader welfare system, links to training, and employment pathways |
People currently on JobSeeker will be transitioned to the new payment rate automatically, while new applicants will have to initiate the process at Centrelink and submit a comprehensive identity verification, job-seeking activities documentation, and financial details.
Additional Payments Still Apply
Besides the primary payment, and dependent on individual circumstance, some recipients may qualify for supplementary payments. This may include: rental assistance, childcare, or payments for those studying or training. Many Australians will be receiving their fortnightly payment exceeding the $781 quoted figure, however the significant short-term welfare change is the sole increase.
One Step, But Is It Enough?
Advocates pointed out that it’s a step in the right direction, while also agreeing it’s still below the poverty line. ACOSS has called for JobSeeker to be inflation-proofed, arguing that payment should be based on real-time cost of living for those out of work. Another criticism is for job seekers residing in the capital cities. With the current rental market’s low vacancy rates, and high median rates, they will continue to struggle even with the increase. The amount of $781 aids many Australians, but it definitely is not a long-term solution.
Economic Balancing Act
From the point of view of the government, this increase represents a careful balancing act between aiding vulnerable Australians and exercising fiscal restraint. Treasury modelling has suggested that while an increase in JobSeeker provides some relief in the short run, it simultaneously adds to government spending in the long run.
What Happens Next
The new rate is set to take effect in the next payment cycle, so recipients will start seeing changes in their bank balances in a matter of weeks. Services Australia has advised both applicants and current beneficiaries to check that their myGov and Centrelink accounts are current to prevent delays in receiving the new payment amount.