JobSeeker Payment comes with conditions — most recipients must meet "mutual obligation requirements" in exchange for their payment. These requirements are designed to help you find work and become financially independent. This guide explains exactly what you need to do in 2026 to keep your JobSeeker Payment.
What Are Mutual Obligations?
Mutual obligations are activities that JobSeeker recipients must complete to continue receiving their payment. The idea is that the government provides financial support, and in return, recipients actively work towards finding employment or improving their employability.
Your specific mutual obligations depend on your circumstances — your age, health, caring responsibilities, location, and the local job market. They are set out in your Job Plan, which you agree to with your employment services provider.
How Many Jobs Do I Need to Apply For?
The standard job search requirement for most JobSeeker recipients in 2026 is 15 to 20 job applications per month. However, your specific requirement depends on:
- Your location (higher requirements in areas with more job opportunities)
- Your skills and experience
- The local labour market
- Your employment services provider's assessment
Your provider may set a higher or lower requirement based on your individual circumstances. The requirement is set out in your Job Plan.
What Activities Count Towards Mutual Obligations?
In addition to job searching, the following activities can count towards your mutual obligations:
- Training and education: Approved courses, vocational training, TAFE, or university study (part-time)
- Work experience: Approved work experience placements
- Volunteering: Up to 15 hours per week of approved volunteering
- Work for the Dole: Community work activities for eligible recipients
- Self-employment: Working on starting your own business (with provider approval)
- Part-time work: Working part-time while continuing to job search
- Career transition assistance: Approved career counselling or job readiness programs
Appointments and Provider Meetings
You must attend all appointments with your employment services provider (such as Workforce Australia). These appointments are used to:
- Review your job search activities
- Update your Job Plan
- Discuss barriers to employment
- Connect you with training or work experience opportunities
If you cannot attend an appointment, you must notify your provider as soon as possible. Failing to attend without a reasonable excuse can result in a demerit point.
The Demerit Points System
If you fail to meet a mutual obligation requirement without a reasonable excuse, Centrelink may apply a demerit point to your record. The consequences of demerit points are:
- 1–3 demerit points: Warning and reminder of obligations
- 4–5 demerit points: Capability interview with Centrelink
- 5 demerit points within 6 months: Payment suspension for 4 weeks
Demerit points are removed from your record after 6 months if no further failures occur.
Reasonable Excuses
You will not receive a demerit point if you have a reasonable excuse for missing a requirement. Reasonable excuses include:
- Illness or injury (with a medical certificate if required)
- Caring for a sick family member
- A family emergency
- Natural disaster or severe weather
- A job interview
- Starting work
- Transport difficulties (in some cases)
Always notify your provider or Centrelink as soon as possible if you cannot meet a requirement, and provide evidence if asked.
Exemptions from Mutual Obligations
Some circumstances can exempt you from mutual obligations entirely for a period of time:
- Temporary incapacity: If you are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury, you can get a medical exemption (requires a medical certificate)
- Caring responsibilities: If you are the primary carer of a child under school age, or caring for a sick family member
- Domestic violence: If you are experiencing or escaping domestic violence
- Bereavement: Following the death of a close family member
- Pregnancy: In the later stages of pregnancy
- Natural disaster: If you are affected by a declared natural disaster
To apply for an exemption, contact Centrelink or your employment services provider and provide supporting evidence.
Workforce Australia — Your Employment Services Provider
Most JobSeeker recipients are connected with Workforce Australia — the government's employment services network. Workforce Australia providers help you:
- Create a resume and prepare for job interviews
- Search for jobs and connect with employers
- Access training and skills development
- Address barriers to employment (such as transport, childcare, or housing)
You are assigned to a Workforce Australia provider based on your location and circumstances. You can request a change of provider if you are not satisfied with the service you are receiving.
Reporting Your Job Search Activities
You must report your job search activities to your employment services provider. This typically involves:
- Recording each job application in the Workforce Australia online portal
- Providing details of each application (employer, position, date, method of application)
- Reporting to your provider at each appointment
Keep records of all your job applications — you may be asked to provide evidence at any time.
For more information about JobSeeker Payment rates and eligibility, see our JobSeeker Payment guide.