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JobSeeker and JobKeeper payment extensions

The JobSeeker and JobKeeper programs will be extended beyond their existing September deadlines, albeit with reductions in payments.

JobSeeker

Since March, the maximum $550 a fortnight JobSeeker has been effectively doubled to about $1100 a fortnight with the introduction of the coronavirus supplement.

From September 25, the supplement will fall to $250 a fortnight, taking the total JobSeeker payment to more than $800 a fortnight.

The coronavirus supplement also affects Youth Allowance recipients, Austudy recipients and those who are on some other government payments. The JobSeeker payment you receive will depend on your circumstances.

The Federal Government has also moved to reintroduce the liquid assets test for JobSeeker recipients, which means those with substantial savings will be required to wait up to 13 weeks to access payments.

The coronavirus supplement to JobSeeker will continue until December 31. For more information visit the ‘I’m a job seeker page’ at servicesaustralia.org.au

Mutual Obligations

From 4 August, job seekers in states other than Victoria will need to start meeting mutual obligation requirements.

This affects people getting JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance or Parenting Payment.

Job seekers living in Victoria should continue to meet the limited requirements brought in on 9 June. This means engaging with your employment services provider online or over the phone. No penalties or suspensions will apply if you can’t.

JobKeeper

The JobKeeper payment is set to remain available to eligible businesses and not-for-profits until March 28, however the flat rate payment of $1500 a fortnight will start to reduce from September 28.

From September 28 this year, JobKeeper will involve two payments that will run until January 4:

  • A flat rate of $1200 a fortnight for eligible workers who work more than 20 hours a week
  • A flat rate of $750 per fortnight for eligible workers who work less than 20 hours per week

From January 4 to March 28, these two payments will scale down further to:

  • A flat rate of $1000 per fortnight for eligible workers who work more than 20 hours a week
  • A flat rate of $650 per fortnight for eligible workers who work less than 20 hours per week

Visit business.gov.au for more information on the JobKeeper payment for employers and employees.

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