From September 20, 2025, thousands of Australians receiving the Centrelink JobSeeker Payment will notice a small but important increase in their fortnightly income. Payments will rise by $12.50 every two weeks, helping beneficiaries keep up with the rising cost of living.
This guide explains who qualifies for the increase, how much you’ll receive after the adjustment, payment dates, and how to claim.
What Is the JobSeeker Payment?
The JobSeeker Payment is one of Australia’s main income support programs. It provides financial assistance to people who are:
- Unemployed and actively looking for work
- Underemployed or unable to secure sufficient hours
- Taking part in training, volunteering, or other approved activities
Payments are made fortnightly and are subject to income and asset tests.
$12.50 JobSeeker Payment Increase – September 2025
Every March and September, Centrelink adjusts JobSeeker and other benefits under the government’s indexation process. This ensures payments keep pace with inflation and wages.
From 20 September 2025, recipients will receive:
| Family Situation | Old Rate (per fortnight) | New Rate (per fortnight) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single, no children | $781.10 | $793.60 | $12.50 |
| Single with children | $836.50 | $849.90 | $13.40 |
| Single, 55+ after 9 months | $836.50 | $849.90 | $13.40 |
| Single, partial capacity to work | $836.50 | $849.90 | $13.40 |
| Couple (each) | $715.10 | $726.50 | $11.40 |
| Single principal carer of child | $1011.50 | $1027.70 | $16.20 |
No need to reapply – the increase is automatically added to your next payment after 20 September.
Who Qualifies for the JobSeeker Payment?
To receive JobSeeker (and the new increase), you must:
- Be 22 years or older but below Age Pension age (67)
- Meet residency requirements (generally, live in Australia as a permanent resident)
- Pass the income and assets test
- Satisfy mutual obligation requirements, such as:
- Actively searching for work
- Participating in training or study
- Volunteering or other approved activities
Special rules may apply for:
- Single parents
- People with a partial capacity to work
- Long-term unemployed individuals aged 55+
When Will You See the $12.50 Increase?
The higher payment rate applies from 20 September 2025. If your usual payment date falls after this, the new rate will automatically appear in your bank account.
For example:
- If your payday is 22 September → You’ll receive the new amount.
- If you’re paid on 18 September → You’ll see the increase from your next cycle.
How to Claim JobSeeker
If you’re not yet receiving JobSeeker, here’s how to apply:
- Create or log in to your myGov account and link it to Centrelink.
- Select JobSeeker Payment and start your claim.
- Provide details about your income, assets, and personal situation.
- Submit required documents (ID, bank details, etc.).
- Agree to a Job Plan (mutual obligation activities).
- Once approved, payments begin – with the September increase applied automatically.
FAQs on the September 2025 JobSeeker Increase
1. How much will singles get after the increase?
Singles without children will receive $793.60 per fortnight.
2. Do I need to reapply to get the increase?
No – it’s automatic for all existing recipients.
3. Will couples also see a rise?
Yes, couples will each get $726.50 per fortnight, up from $715.10.
4. Why is there an increase?
It’s part of the government’s regular indexation process to adjust payments in line with inflation and wage growth.
5. Is the increase permanent?
Yes, this is a permanent adjustment to the JobSeeker rate, not a one-off payment.
Final Thoughts
The $12.50 JobSeeker Payment increase may not solve all cost-of-living pressures, but it does provide some relief for Australians doing it tough. With automatic updates and additional supplements available depending on your circumstances, it’s important to stay informed via your myGov account or Services Australia.