Centrelink JobSeeker September 2025: New $1,027 Rates, Dates and Eligibility

From 20 September 2025, Australians on the JobSeeker Payment will see an increase in their fortnightly income as part of the government’s regular indexation process. Some recipients will now be entitled to up to $1,027.70 every two weeks, depending on individual circumstances. This adjustment is part of broader government efforts to keep welfare payments in line with inflation and rising living costs.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new rates, who qualifies, and how the changes will be rolled out.

What Is the JobSeeker Payment?

The JobSeeker Payment is Australia’s primary income support for people aged 22 and above but under the Age Pension age who are unemployed, underemployed, or temporarily unable to work. It provides direct financial assistance to help recipients cover essential expenses, including:

• Rent or mortgage costs
• Groceries and household utilities
• Transportation and daily essentials

In addition to financial assistance, JobSeeker recipients may also gain access to:

• Employment services and training programs to improve job readiness
• Skills development opportunities tailored to jobseekers’ industries
• Mutual obligation activities, such as attending appointments or training sessions, to support job search activities

New JobSeeker Rates from 20 September 2025

The indexed increases will apply from 20 September 2025, boosting support for individuals depending on their circumstances. The new rates are:

Category	New Fortnightly Rate	Increase
Primary caregivers (exempt from obligations)	$1,027.70	+$16.20
Single, no dependents	$793.60	+$12.50

Not every recipient will qualify for the maximum payment of $1,027.70. Rates depend on your personal circumstances—including whether you have dependents, your partnership status, and whether you are exempt from meeting activity or job search obligations.

Why This Increase Matters

For many Australians, cost-of-living pressures have reached record highs, with rises in rent, fuel, utilities, groceries, and medical expenses putting additional strain on low-income households. Welfare advocacy groups have been pushing for higher support, and while this indexation adjustment does not solve affordability challenges long term, it does provide important extra help.

The increase ensures that payments remain fairly aligned with inflation, helping Australians maintain access to food, housing, and services while searching for work.

Who Is Eligible for JobSeeker?

The JobSeeker Payment is accessible to a wide range of Australians who meet specific eligibility requirements, including:

• Residency: Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Age: Must be at least 22 years old and below the qualifying age for the Age Pension.
• Employment Status: Must be unemployed, underemployed, or temporarily unable to work.
• Income and Assets Test: Payments are subject to Centrelink’s income and assets test. For example, couples with income above $150 per fortnight may see reduced rates.
• Mutual Obligations: Recipients generally must fulfill requirements such as job search activities and training, unless exempt due to medical or compassionate reasons.

Additional Support Available

Many JobSeeker recipients may also qualify for Rent Assistance, Energy Supplements, or Concession Cards, which provide further financial relief.

JobSeeker Payment Schedule – September 2025

JobSeeker is paid every two weeks. For September 2025, the updated payment schedule is as follows:

Payment	Date	Day
First	9 September 2025	Tuesday
Second	23 September 2025	Tuesday

Payments received after 20 September 2025 will reflect the new indexed rates. These are delivered by direct deposit into the bank accounts provided to Centrelink.

How to Apply for JobSeeker

If you are not currently receiving JobSeeker but believe you qualify, the application process is straightforward:

1. Check eligibility: Use the Payment Finder tool on the Services Australia website.
2. Gather documents: This includes proof of identification, banking details, tax file number, rent/mortgage details, and evidence of work status.
3. Set up MyGov: Create or log in to your MyGov account and link it to Centrelink.
4. Job Seeker Snapshot: Complete the initial assessment or attend a phone interview if required.
5. Submit claim: Lodge your application digitally and track progress through MyGov.
6. Receive payments: Once approved, funds are automatically deposited into your nominated bank account.

How the New Rates Help Recipients

The increased payments mean recipients will have additional income to better manage essential costs. For example:

• Housing: Extra funds can help cover rising rent or mortgage repayments.
• Food: Higher rates ensure households can afford groceries and essential supplies.
• Transport: Whether using public transport or fuel, added support helps maintain mobility for work and interviews.
• Medical expenses: Extra funds may cover out-of-pocket GP fees, medications, or health needs.

The change, while modest, makes a practical difference weekly for recipients balancing job searches with day-to-day expenses.

Preparing for the Change

To avoid delays or issues in receiving indexed rates, JobSeeker recipients should:

• Update bank details with Centrelink to ensure smooth payment processing.
• Keep documents up to date including ID and income reporting requirements.
• Check MyGov regularly for official updates and notifications about payments.
• Fulfil mutual obligations, unless exempt, to remain eligible for ongoing support.

Final Thoughts

From 20 September 2025, indexed JobSeeker increases will see eligible Australians receive new rates of up to $1,027.70 per fortnight. Payments will continue on their regular two-week schedule, automatically updated to reflect the rise.

The increase highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting unemployed and underemployed Australians through periods of financial stress. While not a long-term solution to inflation challenges, the updated JobSeeker rates will provide vital short-term relief—helping recipients pay bills, secure food, and cover housing costs as they work toward finding employment.