$1,027 Centrelink JobSeeker Payment Sept 2025 – Who Qualifies & When It Starts

Australians relying on Centrelink’s JobSeeker Payment are set for an adjustment this September. From 20 September 2025, indexation will lift the maximum fortnightly rate to $1,027.70 for some recipients, while others will see smaller increases. The boost is part of the government’s twice-yearly updates designed to keep income support in line with living costs, at a time when inflation and everyday expenses remain front of mind.

Why JobSeeker Matters

JobSeeker is the backbone of Australia’s unemployment safety net. It supports people aged 22 and over but under Age Pension age who are looking for work, underemployed, or temporarily unable to secure full-time employment. Beyond cash payments, it links people into training programs, employment services, and mutual obligation activities, aiming to keep people engaged with the workforce.

For many households, JobSeeker goes beyond food and rent—it unlocks Rent Assistance, Energy Supplements, and concession cards, helping stretch dollars further. Indexation ensures those benefits don’t lose value when the cost of groceries, utilities, or fuel rises.

JobSeeker Payment Rates – September 2025 Update

Not every JobSeeker recipient will get $1,027.70. The increase depends on household circumstances and dependent care.

Category	New Fortnightly Rate (from Sept 20, 2025)	Increase
Single, no children	$793.60	+$12.50
Single, with dependent child (or principal carer exempt from mutual obligations)	$1,027.70	+$16.20
Partnered (each)	$888.50	+$22.40
Single, over 60 (9+ months on payment)	$907.00 (approx.)	+$14.90

Note: These figures reflect Services Australia’s indexation adjustments. Variations apply depending on personal income, assets, and additional supplements.

Payment Dates in September 2025

Centrelink JobSeeker payments are deposited every two weeks. For September, the schedule is:

• First payment: Tuesday, 9 September 2025
• Second payment: Tuesday, 23 September 2025

Payments issued on or after 20 September 2025 will reflect the new indexed amounts.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for JobSeeker:

• Must be 22 or older and under Age Pension age.
• Must be an Australian resident meeting residency rules.
• Be unemployed or earning below the income/asset test thresholds.
• Couples can have combined income of up to $150/fortnight before reductions apply.
• Must meet mutual obligation requirements (job searches, training) unless exempt (e.g., primary carers, health reasons).

How to Claim JobSeeker

1. Visit Services Australia and log in through myGov.
2. Link Centrelink and use the Payment and Service Finder to check eligibility.
3. Prepare documents:
   • Proof of ID
   • Tax File Number
   • Bank details
   • Rent/mortgage details
   • Employment history
4. Complete a Job Seeker Snapshot or attend an initial phone interview.
5. Await assessment and approval; payments are usually backdated to claim lodgement.

Fact Check

It’s not correct to say every JobSeeker will get $1,027.70. That higher rate applies only to single parents/principal carers exempt from activity requirements. Most singles without children will see their fortnightly JobSeeker increase to $793.60.

The $1,027.70 figure is real, but it’s specific to certain categories—not a flat rate for all recipients. Always check Services Australia’s official rate tables for your situation.

FAQs