From 20 September 2025, Australians on JobSeeker will receive a modest but important increase to their fortnightly payments. This rise comes through the governmentâs regular indexation process, which adjusts welfare support in line with inflation and wage growth. Although the increase is relatively small, it provides necessary short-term relief for people navigating unemployment or underemployment at a time when living expenses continue to rise.
Why the JobSeeker Increase Matters
Unemployment often brings both financial pressure and emotional stress. Many households already struggle with the costs of rent, power bills, groceries, and transport. For recipients of JobSeeker, even a small increase in fortnightly support can make a difference in basic budgeting.
The September 2025 increase ensures payments better align with current economic conditions, giving beneficiaries a buffer that enables them to stay focused on tasks like job applications, interviews, training, or volunteering without being completely overwhelmed by financial hurdles.
New JobSeeker Rates from 20 September 2025
The latest indexation updates vary depending on personal circumstances. Here is the breakdown of the new rates:
| Recipient Type | New Fortnightly Payment | Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Single, no children | $793.60 | $12.50 |
| Single, with a child / aged 55+ / reduced work capacity | $849.90 | $13.40 |
| Partnered (each) | $726.50 | $11.40 |
| Single principal carer | $1,027.70 | $16.20 |
Payments are delivered fortnightly and go directly into bank accounts. Recipients already enrolled do not need to reapply or change anything, as the increase is automatically added to their entitlement.
How Automatic Adjustments Work
Every March and September, Centrelink conducts an automatic adjustment of payments for JobSeeker and other welfare supports. This process is called indexation, and it balances payments against inflation and wages.
- If your standard JobSeeker payment date falls after 20 September 2025, the increase will automatically appear in your bank account.
- If your payday came just before the adjustment date, the increase will apply from your following cycle.
This system ensures that no one misses out and that funds flow smoothly into accounts without delays or fresh applications.
Eligibility Rules for JobSeeker
To continue receiving JobSeeker, recipients must still satisfy basic eligibility requirements. These include:
- Age between 22 and pension age (67 years)
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa
- Be unemployed, underemployed, or undertaking approved activities such as study, volunteering or training
- Pass the income and assets test, which places limits on personal or household financial resources
- Meet mutual obligation requirements, like actively looking for jobs, reporting job applications, or attending appointments with Centrelink or job providers
Certain groups, such as single parents or individuals with reduced work capacity, qualify for higher rates or adjusted obligations.
How to Apply for JobSeeker Payments if Youâre New
New applicants need to complete a claim process through Services Australia. Hereâs how it works:
- Create or log in to your myGov account and link it to Centrelink.
- Select JobSeeker Payment and begin a claim.
- Prepare required documents such as personal identification, bank account information, and income/asset details.
- Provide information about your work history, employment situation, or any health limitations.
- Agree to a Job Plan, which outlines your obligations while on the payment.
- Lodge the claim and track progress through myGov or the Centrelink app.
If approved, payments will begin and the September indexation increase will already apply.
Special Rules for Certain Recipients
The JobSeeker system also accommodates groups with unique needs:
- Single principal carers of children are supported with the highest rates because of higher household responsibilities.
- Recipients aged 55 or older and unemployed for at least nine months may satisfy obligations through part-time voluntary or community activities.
- People with reduced work capacity may get modified participation requirements and higher rates.
These tailored approaches mean the program can adjust to different life situations while still encouraging pathways back into work.
Broader Context of 2025 Cost-of-Living Support
This increase follows ongoing cost-of-living measures across the welfare system in September 2025. Alongside JobSeeker, other payments such as Youth Allowance, Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, and Family Tax Benefits have also been indexed this month. These collective adjustments reflect the governmentâs strategy of ensuring welfare payments rise in proportion to inflation rather than erode in value.
While advocacy groups argue the increases remain too modest compared to real rent and grocery bills, they acknowledge these routine updates are essential to prevent support recipients from losing purchasing power further.
Key Takeaways
- Effective date:Â The new JobSeeker rates apply from 20 September 2025.
- No re-application:Â Increases are applied automatically for existing recipients.
- Maximum payment: Single principal carers now receive up to $1,027.70 per fortnight.
- Eligibility:Â Applicants must meet age, residency, income, and mutual obligation requirements.
- Application method:Â New claims must be made through myGov linked to Centrelink, with ID, banking details, and work history required.
Conclusion
The September 2025 JobSeeker Payment increase provides an incremental but crucial rise in welfare rates, ensuring recipients keep pace with inflation. While amounts vary by circumstance, increases range from around $11.40 to $16.20 per fortnight, and are applied automatically.
For Australians working hard to rejoin the workforce, this modest financial support means some breathing room against the pressure of bills, food costs, and housing expenses. Though not a major welfare reform, the adjustment highlights how indexation continues to play an important role in protecting low-income households during tough economic conditions.