Starting September 20, 2025, eligible Australians on the Centrelink JobSeeker Payment can expect a maximum fortnightly payment of approximately $1,027.70. This increase is part of the government’s scheduled indexation to help recipients better manage rising living expenses. The JobSeeker Payment supports people aged 22 up to the Age Pension age who are unemployed, underemployed, or temporarily unable to work full-time, assisting them with essentials like food, rent, and utilities while they search for jobs.
Understanding the $1,027 JobSeeker Payment
The JobSeeker Payment is Australia’s main financial assistance program for people out of work or with limited employment hours. It replaced the previous Newstart Allowance and includes not only cash benefits but also connects recipients with training and job services to promote workforce participation. Besides direct payments, recipients may access additional support like rent assistance or energy supplements to ease financial pressures during unemployment.
Eligibility Criteria
Must be an Australian citizen or hold an eligible residency status
Aged between 22 years and the Age Pension qualifying age
Currently unemployed or working less than 30 hours weekly while actively seeking work
Meet specific income and asset limits (for couples, income up to around $150 every two weeks before reductions)
Comply with mutual obligation requirements unless exempted due to medical or compassionate reasons
Payment Dates and Rates for September 2025
JobSeeker payments are issued fortnightly by Centrelink. In September 2025, payments will be made on:
September 9 (before the increase)
September 23 (reflecting the new indexed payment rates)
Note: The $1,027.70 payment specifically applies to primary carers exempt from mutual obligation duties. For singles without children aged 22 or older, the revised payment will be approximately $793.60 per fortnight. Partners in couples receive around $732.80 each per fortnight.
How to Claim the Payment
Applicants can check their eligibility using the Services Australia Payment Finder tool. To apply, individuals should:
Register or log into myGov and link to Centrelink
Provide personal identification, tax file number, bank details, and housing information (rent or mortgage)
Complete the JobSeeker application or participate in required interviews
Fact Check on the $1,027 JobSeeker Amount
The widely referenced $1,027.70 payment is accurate for a specific category of JobSeeker recipients, primarily primary carers. Other recipients will receive amounts adjusted according to their category, with increases ranging from $12.50 to $16.20 per fortnight to keep pace with inflation.
FAQs
What is the September 2025 increase? Principal carers get $16.20 extra per fortnight; others receive between $12.50 to $13.50 more.
How much do single, childless JobSeekers get? About $793.60 every two weeks.
What about couples? Each partner receives roughly $732.80 every two weeks.
Are JobSeeker payments taxable? Yes, they count as taxable income.
Who is a primary caregiver? Someone primarily responsible for a dependent child under 16.
Do payment rates vary by age? Yes, different rates apply to those under and over 60 and long-term recipients.
How often are payments made? Fortnightly.
Is this increase permanent? Yes, it is part of the regular indexation process updating payments twice a year.
This update helps ensure JobSeeker recipients maintain essential support aligned with living cost rises through 2025.
If applying or seeking detailed conditions, it is recommended to visit the official Services Australia website for the most current information.