Getting a Hand up, When Unemployed

Being unemployed in Australia is a situation far too many people are unfortunately familiar with. With unemployment rates sitting at around 5.8%, there are roughly 734,000 Australians unemployed nation-wide. Being unemployed and on government benefits may not be enough to sustain you while you look for work. You may need to start looking at new options for help, if you cannot find meaningful work.

This can include a career change, starting a business, relocating or further training in your current field. Below is a look at programs that can help you do that. If you are under serious financial pressures due to unemployment and don’t have the time to explore the below, see if there are any additional benefits that can assist and review other financial help for those out of work.

 
Job Searching
The government provides a number of initiatives beyond just income support to help you get back to work. These programs differ in what they offer, but trying out each one and seeing what works for you may help you find your dream job faster.

Government Job Search – jobactive is a government run job search site that helps you become the best at finding a job with active support programs and a local job search provider that matches job seekers with employers. Candidates in the program get screened for jobs that meet their qualifications then when an employer is looking you are already pre-screened for the opportunity. You have a better chance of getting called for an interview if you are already pre-screened as qualified.

There are of course a number of online job search platforms that can help you get in front as many employers by simply uploading your profile and actively searching for work. The largest in the nation is Seek.com.au.

Open a Business
Sometimes instead of waiting for a job to find you, it might be worthwhile to create your own work by opening your own small business. The New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) is part of jobactive and a government program that places over 6,300 entrepreneurs in the workplace with their own company every year. The program works with a network of 21 providers around the country and provides small business training and support for the initial stages of startup. It also provides income support, rental assistance, and a mentoring program for the first year of the business. This program can make sure you do not have to do a job search again.

Workplace Programs
Work for the Dole, Relocation Assistance and wage subsidies are other ways that you may be able to maximize your income or chance for a job. Work for the Dole is government program that places job seekers into government agencies and non-profit organizations to gain valuable skills. These placements and the program can lead to further employment but also helps you maintain a Job Seeker Allowance for an extended six month period.

The Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job program helps you with expenses if you have found the perfect job but cannot afford to move across the country. It provides up to $3000 for moving to capital cities and $6,000 for moving to regional cities in Australia. Start looking outside your current area and you may find the perfect job faster.

 
Wage Subsidies are provided to employers that apply through jobactive to gain access to wage subsidies to hire or keep on employees. If you are working part time, it might be a great way to get your boss to keep you on longer or give you full time.

In addition to the above, there are numerous assistance programs throughout the country, provided by the government and non-profits. Regardless of your situation, there is help out there. You just have to be open to receiving what’s available at the time and working towards what you want.