Unemployment support in Australia explained

The Australian unemployment rate continues at 5.7 per cent for the ninth consecutive month, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics February 2017 data.There is support available for those who are looking for work.

So, while you’re looking for work, here are some options to assist you.

What’s the Newstart Allowance?

 

It’s the main unemployment benefit which caters for people of working age.However, there are some conditions. For example you have to prove that you are looking for full time work, have to attend appointments with your job agency and you also need to meet other 

mutual obligation requirements

.

How long do I have to wait?

 

The waiting period can vary between 2 weeks to 2 months after you have submitted your claim for your 

Newstart Allowance

. It usually depends on 

Centrelink

.

How much can I earn?

 

You can be working and also be on Newstart. For example, if you are working one shift a week you can still receive a ‘partial payment’. You can earn up to $104 before tax each fortnight. Your payment is reduced by 50 cents per dollar if you earn between $104 to $254 per fortnight. The reduction rate is $75 plus 60 cents for each dollar over $254.

Who is eligible?

 

Every Australian resident who have lived in the country for at least two-years are eligible. However they need to meet the

 income and assets tests 

as well as the 

Mutual Obligation Requirements

.

What’s 'Work for the Dole'?

 

It’s a program designed to upskill jobseekers, provide work experiences and enable them to contribute to the community. You need to participate in a 

Work for the Dole

 program for six months of the year to claim your payments under the 

Mutual Obligation Requirements

.

What happens if I fail to meet the Mutual Obligation Requirements?

 

Your Newstart can be suspended, but once you re-engage with your job agency, you can get back on the payment again.

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Other types of unemployment benefit include 

Youth Allowance

 for full-time jobseekers between age 16 to 21 and the 

Disability Support Pension

 for people between 16 years of age to pension age who are unable to work due to a physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition.

For more information on income support, visit the 

Department of Human Services

 website.

Language support in your language

 

If you need language support, you can ring the department’s Multilingual Phone Service on 131 202 between 8am to 5pm during the week to speak with a bilingual service officer.