JobSeeker, Youth Allowance and Carer Payment: lesser-known Centrelink payments

Centrelink offers more than most people realise

Many newly arrived migrants are aware of Family Tax Benefit and Medicare — but Centrelink administers a broad range of income support payments that are less commonly understood. This article covers three payments that are frequently overlooked, particularly within communities that are not familiar with the Australian social support system.

JobSeeker Payment — income support while looking for work

Who it is for: People who are looking for work, have been made redundant, are temporarily unable to work due to illness, or are transitioning between careers.

Eligibility requirements:

• Age 22 to Age Pension age
• Australian citizen or permanent resident (most temporary visas are ineligible)
• Income and assets below the relevant thresholds
• Actively looking for work and meeting Mutual Obligations (reporting job search activity)

Payment rate (2024–25): Approximately $762 per fortnight for a single person without children — adjusted annually.

Waiting period: If you received redundancy or termination pay, or have savings above the liquid assets threshold, a waiting period may apply before payments begin.

Mutual Obligations: Recipients must submit regular job search reports, register with Workforce Australia or a jobactive provider, and attend scheduled appointments.

Youth Allowance — support for young people and students

Who it is for:

• Full-time students at university or TAFE aged 18–24.
• Apprentices undertaking approved training.
• Young people aged 16–21 who are looking for work.

Eligibility:

• Subject to your own income and — if you are still financially dependent on your parents — a parental income test.
• Defined “independence” thresholds vary by age and circumstance.

Payment rate: Lower than JobSeeker (~$600 per fortnight), but may be supplemented by Rent Assistance if you pay rent.

Abstudy: An equivalent payment specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Carer Payment — support for those providing constant care

Who it is for: People providing constant daily care for a family member or other person with disability, serious illness, or who is frail and elderly.

Eligibility:

• You must provide substantial regular care — assessed through a Care Load Assessment.
• The person being cared for must meet qualifying criteria (confirmed by their treating doctor or specialist).
• Income and assets below the applicable thresholds.

Carer Allowance (separate from Carer Payment): An additional fortnightly supplement (~$160 per fortnight) for carers of a child or adult with a disability or medical condition — this can be received alongside other Centrelink payments.

How to apply

1. myGov → Centrelink → Make a claim — select the appropriate payment type.
2. Or call the relevant Centrelink line:
   • JobSeeker: 132 850
   • Youth Allowance (students): 132 490
   • Carer Payment: 132 717
3. Documents required: Proof of identity, recent income statement or tax return, and for Carer Payment: a medical report from the care recipient’s treating doctor.

Visa status and eligibility

Most Centrelink payments require Australian citizenship or permanent residence. Temporary visa holders (including most work visas) are typically ineligible. Always verify your specific visa’s entitlements directly with Services Australia before applying — eligibility rules change and depend on the exact visa subclass.