Centrelink Incorporated a Jobseeker Payment update from September 2025 for changes in payment rates, eligibility, and support delivery for Australians residents. This guide intends to be as comprehensive and straightforward as possible, paying particular attention to who qualifies, how much, and how often payments are made so prospective and current applicants can understand Australia’s social safety net.
Payment Amounts and September Boost
Starting September 20, 2025, a standard JobSeeker Payment amount to a single person without children will be $793.60 a fortnight, which is a slight increase from the previous year. Singles who hold primary caring responsibilities for children, 55 and older and have been on income support for 9+ months, or assessed with a partial work capacity can receive $849.90 a fortnight. Partnered recipients will receive $726.50 a fortnight. September will also feature a one-time $400 Centrelink relief payment which is supposed to support low-income earners and households. This is due to the increase in living costs. The injection of cash will provide relief, but will not change the ongoing JobSeeker rates.
Eligibility for JobSeeker in 2025
To receive JobSeeker, you must be between 22 years old and Age Pension age, be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident, and pass income and asset tests. Also, you must be unemployed, actively look for work, temporarily unable to work for health or other economic reasons, or studying or in a training course. In some situations, additional support is available for people 55 and older, people with a reduced work capacity, or people engaged in approved training or education. It is suggested you check your personal situation with Centrelink’s Payment Finder tool.
Application and Payment Process
To apply, you must set up a MyGov account, link it to Centrelink, and prepare the necessary documents to verify your identity, income, and assets, and your bank account details. You can complete the claim online, and then you can check your payment status on the MyGov portal. For current recipients, new rates automatically apply after the adjustment date in September. You can also complete the process for the September one-off $400 boost online and claim it through your MyGov account. Payments are typically made by direct deposit to recipients’ bank accounts.
Payment Dates for September 2025
Payments will be recalculated after September 20, 2025, and payments will be processed within the week after the date. JobSeeker payments will fall within the usual schedules for that time. As for the $400 one-off bonus, it will be distributed sometime within September. The Government recommends individuals keep records up to date for more seamless transactions and periodic filings, as payments will be released on variations of schedules depending on the individual’s profile and claims processing.
Income Tests and Other Factors
Payments for JobSeeker are subjected to the income and the assets tests. For payments, every dollar that is earned over a threshold set by the Government will decrease payments, and thus every payment will need to include a report of income. JobSeeker payments are also taxable, and the value of the payment will need to be taken into account for the calculation of other support systems such as child support and benefits that are also social benefit payments.
Very Short Table – Core Payment Data
| Recipient Type | Fortnightly Payment |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | $793.60 |
| Single, with children/55+ | $849.90 |
| Partnered | $726.50 |
| One-off September Relief | $400 |
FAQs
Q1: Are new applicants eligible for the $400 one-off payment?
A: Yes, as long as they meet the requirements and apply through MyGov online.
Q2: What documentation is necessary for a JobSeeker claim?
A: JobSeeker requires proof of identity along with income and assets, and banking records which include Bank account details.
Q3: Are JobSeeker payments taxable?
A: Yes, and the tax can be deducted at source upon request.
