The Australian Government has officially increased the Centrelink JobSeeker Payment rate to $793.60 per fortnight, effective from 20 September 2025. This new rate applies to single individuals with no dependent children. It was introduced as part of the biannual indexation adjustment to ensure welfare payments keep pace with the rising cost of living.
This article explains the new rate, eligibility requirements, payment schedule, and how to check your Centrelink JobSeeker status through the official portal.
$793.60 Centrelink JobSeeker Benefit 2025 Summary Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | Services Australia |
| Scheme Name | Centrelink JobSeeker Payment 2025 |
| New Rate Effective From | 20 September 2025 |
| Amount (for single, no children) | $793.60 per fortnight |
| Payment Type | Fortnightly |
| Age Limit | 22 to 67 years |
| Eligibility | Australian citizens/residents who are unemployed or underemployed |
| Purpose | Financial assistance for jobseekers to manage living expenses |
| Indexation Type | Inflation-indexed (CPI adjustment) |
| Official Website | https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au |
Overview of the $793.60 Centrelink JobSeeker Benefit 2025
The JobSeeker Payment is the main income support benefit for Australians who are actively seeking employment, have lost work hours, or are temporarily unable to work due to illness or study.
The latest increase to $793.60 per fortnight came into effect from 20 September 2025, following the Department of Social Services’ indexation update. Previously, the rate stood at $781.10, meaning an increase of $12.50 per fortnight for single recipients without children.
This update reflects the government’s ongoing effort to align Centrelink payments with inflation and provide more relief amid rising rental, food, and transport costs.
Who Can Receive the $793.60 JobSeeker Benefit?
The JobSeeker Payment is not limited to unemployed individuals. It also covers those who:
- Are actively looking for work but currently unemployed.
- Have reduced working hours due to redundancy or economic conditions.
- Are studying an approved training course aimed at increasing employability.
- Have short-term medical exemptions preventing them from working or studying temporarily.
Applicants must be aged 22 years or above but below Age Pension age (67 years) and must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or holders of eligible visas.
Income and Asset Tests (As per Services Australia)
To qualify, recipients must not exceed specific income and asset limits. These thresholds determine how much JobSeeker you can receive or if you’re eligible at all.
Income Test:
- The payment starts reducing once your income exceeds $150 per fortnight.
- The payment ceases entirely when income reaches approximately $1,505 per fortnight (for singles without children).
Asset Test:
- Homeowners: Assets must be below $321,500.
- Non-homeowners: Assets must be below $579,500.
JobSeeker Payment Rate Breakdown (Effective 20 September 2025)
| Recipient Type | New Rate (per fortnight) | Previous Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no children | $793.60 | $781.10 | +$12.50 |
| Single with dependent children | $849.90 | $837.10 | +$12.80 |
| Single, 55 years and over (after 9 months on payment) | $849.90 | $837.10 | +$12.80 |
| Partnered (each) | $726.50 | $714.00 | +$12.50 |
Payment Schedule and Disbursement
The $793.60 JobSeeker Payment is deposited fortnightly.
There is no fixed national payday; instead, payments are released according to each individual’s Centrelink payment cycle.
Recipients can check their upcoming payment date by logging into their myGov account linked with Centrelink. Notifications of scheduled payments are displayed in the Payments and Claims section.
Latest News and Official Confirmation
According to Services Australia and the Department of Social Services (DSS), the updated JobSeeker rate of $793.60 per fortnight for single Australians without children is officially effective from 20 September 2025.
This change aligns with the government’s automatic inflation indexation process, which occurs twice a year in March and September.
The DSS “Rates List – 20 September 2025” PDF confirms the new payment rates and thresholds for all income support payments, including JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, and Age Pension.
Official document: DSS Rates List – 20 September 2025 (PDF)
How to Apply for the JobSeeker Payment
- Create or log in to your myGov account and link it to Centrelink.
- Complete the JobSeeker claim form and upload required documents (proof of identity, employment separation certificate, etc.).
- Declare your income and assets accurately.
- Wait for Services Australia to assess your eligibility and confirm the start date.
- Once approved, you’ll begin receiving fortnightly payments directly to your nominated bank account.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the $793.60 payment, you must:
- Be aged 22 to 67 years.
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be unemployed or working reduced hours.
- Be actively looking for work (unless exempted due to health or study).
- Have assets and income within limits defined by Services Australia.
- Not be receiving another income support payment simultaneously (like Age Pension).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the $793.60 JobSeeker Payment?
It is the new indexed rate of Centrelink’s JobSeeker Payment, paid fortnightly to eligible single Australians with no dependent children.
2. When did this new rate start?
It became effective from 20 September 2025, following the government’s inflation indexation adjustment.
3. Who qualifies for this payment?
Single residents aged 22 to 67, who are unemployed, underemployed, or temporarily unable to work, and meet income, asset, and residency criteria.
4. Do I need to reapply for the updated $793.60 rate?
No. The updated rate is automatically applied to existing JobSeeker recipients.
5. How often is the payment made?
It is paid every two weeks (fortnightly) directly to your registered bank account.
6. Where can I confirm my payment and eligibility?
Visit the official Services Australia website or check your myGov Centrelink dashboard.
Conclusion
The $793.60 Centrelink JobSeeker Benefit 2025 marks a crucial adjustment to support Australians facing unemployment or reduced income. By linking payments to inflation, the government ensures that welfare support remains relevant to the cost of living.
For individuals aged 22 to 67 with no dependent children, this payment provides a stable safety net to cover essentials such as rent, utilities, transport, and food while they search for new job opportunities.
Applicants are encouraged to verify their income and asset limits and apply through the Services Australia official portal for the most accurate updates and eligibility details.
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