Unemployment Benefits through Centrelink

When you lose a job, getting the money you need to help pay bills and put food on the table can be stressful. Trying to find work or attend school while facing financial difficulties can make your situation feel impossible. But, you don’t have to face job loss alone. If you need help, you may qualify for assistance through Centrelink. There are several unemployment benefit programs you can get financial support through including:

Newstart Allowance
This is one of the most popular unemployment benefits as it’s very broad in its acceptance. You can access benefits from the program based on the following qualifications. In order to qualify you must: be at least 22 years old (but not old enough to qualify for pension benefits), be actively seeking employment, willing to participate in the Employment Pathway plan, provide proof of income and residence and you cannot be participating in any industrial actions.

The Employee Pathway Plan provides educational resources and support for individuals in need. The program addresses needs of job seekers including vocational and language barriers to help promote employability.

Single individuals can receive up to $519.20 per fortnight, single individuals with children qualify for up to $561.80 and partnered individuals can qualify for up to $468.80 each fortnight per individual. Special circumstances including foster care, long-distance education, homeschooling and larger families may qualify you for additional funds. Keep in mind that your benefits will be reduced based on any income you make.

 
If you qualify for the Newstart program, you may also be able to get help through a few other programs:

If you are in need of emergency money whilst waiting for benefits to come through here are some unemployed loan options and Centrelink loans if you are already collecting benefits.

Sickness Allowance
To qualify for this Sickness Allowance benefit you must be at least 22 years old and have a job or be a full-time student. You must be under 65 to qualify for this program. In addition to meeting age and financial requirements, you must be able to provide a note from your doctor saying that you are unable to work or study due to an illness or injury. You should have a job or education you can return to once you recuperate.

Rates are similar to the rates for the Newstart Allowance with the exception of partnered payments with qualify for a maximum of $468.80 per fortnight. Centrelink workers will review your case to ensure that you are getting the right amount of money so you can focus on finding a job or attending school.

Youth Allowance
This payment is designed for individuals between the ages of 16 and 20 who are actively looking for a job or participating in an approved activity (like school or job training). If you do not have a high school diploma, you may be required to take educational courses to receive the payment. You may also qualify if you are participating in an apprenticeship full-time. Financial qualifications for this assistance program factor in the individual’s financial situation (if you are of age) or the parents income if you are still living at home.

This benefit can be particularly helpful if you need help paying for food and housing while you are attending school or while you are looking for work.

Rent Assistance
A major concern for those who are dealing with unemployment is their rent or mortgage. As this is generally the largest expense in most households. Getting help with monthly payments or reducing the cost of rent can free up money in your budget to use elsewhere. Qualifying individuals and families may actually be able to defer their mortgage payments for up to 12 months. You may also apply for assistance through the rent deduction scheme that allows you to save money on your rent. To qualify for you must rent your home or apartment from a state or territory housing authority. Centrelink will factor in your income and where you to determine if you qualify for full or partial reduction. You are responsible for any rent not covered in the reduction.

Age Pension
After you have reached the age of 65, it is not only difficult to find work; you may not even be able to work anymore. If you have not saved for retirement, you could be facing serious financial issues. A pensioner concession card offers assistance with health coverage, services, rent reduction and other items. In order to qualify for a pensioner concession card you must be at least 65 and provide proof of financial need.

You may qualify for a pension card, which offers access to reduced-cost services if you qualify for any other payment program, you may have access to this card. Ask your case worker for more information on how you can use this card.

When you receive any benefit, Centrelink routinely reviews your information to ensure that you are receiving the right amount of benefits for your situation. In order to qualify for financial resources through Centrelink, you are required to follow an application process.

You can fill out applications for the programs available on the Centrelink website. You are required to undergo an interview to determine what, if any, assistance for which you qualify. Once your application has been received an approved you may have to wait up to a month before you receive your benefits, depending on your circumstances.

When you apply for any unemployment benefit program, you must provide proof that you are eligible and able to work. In addition to financial assistance, you should consider seeking assistance looking for jobs and improving your job skills. Centrelink can give you access to job postings and trainings to help improve your financial situation on a more permanent basis.

 
All financial support requires that individuals applying are residents of Australia. To qualify as a resident you must have lived in the country for at least 104 weeks. Even if you do not qualify for financial assistance because due to your individual circumstances, you will likely be able to get help looking for another job, obtaining training and getting access to full-time apprenticeships.

Going to school full-time or being unable to work due to an injury or job loss does not have to break you. There are plenty of financial support options to help keep you covered until you are able to find another job or go back to your schooling.

Lastly, you can utilise the correct Centrelink calculator or rate estimator based on your circumstance to see what additional funds you may qualify for.