Head Office
Services Australia
Box 7788
Canberra Bc, ACT 2610
Support
Phone: 132 850 (JobSeeker)
Phone: 132 490 (Youth Allowance)
Phone: 132 307 (Centrelink & myGov support)
Phone: 1800 256 604 (Cashless Debit Card)
Phone: 1800 132 468 (complaints)
_____
About JobSeeker Payment
The Australian government designed the JobSeeker Payment to help individuals who are out of work and in dire need, mostly as a result of economic downturn or a national calamity. Available for those between the 22 and Age Pension age, the income support payment administered by Services Australia is doled out for those who only meet the residence rules and whose income are under the “test limits”. Additionally, applicants must also meet the unemployment rules and must have been persistently looking for work. According to Services Australia, individuals can generally earn up to $104 every 2 weeks. The income is based on the number of members in the family and the wages earned in the past 14 days. The maximum fortnightly payment as of this day has been $565 for singles.
A claim can be made online on Services Australia website
The sick and injured as well are eligible for JobSeeker Payment. A claim can be done via phone, by visiting the service centre and online at the comfort of one’s home. You will need a myGov account linked to Centrelink to get started. New registrants will need to have a Customer Reference Number (CRN) to set up Centrelink account. Once registered, you can make a claim by answering the list of questions on the form. You will be asked to upload documents on to your account. Documents you need to furnish include financial, study, employment, relationships, and medical. With regard to employment, you need to have income tax returns, employer separation certificates, PAYG certificates, payslips, Taxation Notices of Assessment (NOA) if self-employed. The list of supporting documents are published on the website.
Claimants getting JobSeeker Payment are required to continue looking for job. They are required to report their situation and job search using the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app or website. Those who are sick and injured will have to furnish a medical certificate using the Centrelink online account. Additionally, you will need to report income for the past 14 days every 2 weeks, follow the Job Plan, and report if shifting locally or overseas. As for reporting income, claimants must report even if they have not earned any income. Reporting can be done through Centrelink account, through app and phone, or by visiting nearest service centre.
While JobSeeker is for individuals, the Australian government has a temporary subsidy program designed for businesses in the form of JobKeeper Payment. The program which commended in March 2020, is to support businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The Australian Government has pledged to dole out $130 billion for JobKeeper support. The JobKeeper Payment will also be available to the self-employed and is for a maximum period of 6 months. For complaints or queries on filing claim online, payment, appeal, career, or others, reach the Services Australia support.
