Looking for work
If you are looking for work, have recently lost your job or are at risk of losing your job, there are services to help you find employment as well as payment support schemes to assist you financially.
On this page:
Who does this information apply to?
This applies to people who:
- are unemployed or looking for work
- have recently lost your job or are at risk of losing your job
- are receiving a Centrelink payment such as Newstart Allowance, Parenting Payment, Youth Allowance, or Disability Support Pension
Looking for work
If you have recently lost your job or are facing redundancy and are worried about losing your job, you can get help and support.
If you need financial help while looking for work, the Centrelink program can support you through payment schemes such as Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance, Disability Support Pension or Parenting Payment if you have children.
How much you are eligible for depends on your age, how you became unemployed and how much work you can do.
The Centrelink program also offers services to help you make decisions on what you can do to find and keep a job. You may be able to participate in training or employment schemes that will improve your chances of getting and keeping a job.
Local Connections to Work
The Local Connections to Work program aims to support you in breaking down barriers and getting back into work.
LCTW helps those that need a little extra support in finding a job. Through joint interviews with service providers and links into the local community, LCTW has helped hundreds achieve their job-search goals.
The Local Connections to Work program offers a range of services from a Centrelink and Medicare Service Centre, and may include Government, employment, housing, health and legal services among many others.
Local Connections to Work services are currently available in nine sites across Australia.
Existing Centrelink and Child Support Program customers
CRS Australia provides employment and assessment services to people with a disability, injury or health condition. Find out more at www.crsaustralia.gov.au
If you are receiving Newstart Allowance, Parenting Payment or Youth Allowance, you may have Activity Test or participation requirements that you have to meet as a condition of getting payment. This means you have to actively look for a job and take part in activities that will help you find a job. You also need to report any changes in your situation, including your work and income, since these could affect the payments you can get.
More information
- Centrelink website - What you need to tell us
- Child Support website - Your income
Other support services
You can access free support services if you are a student looking for work or are considering a change in your job.
If you identify as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian, have a disability or are ill or injured, you can access specialist services from Centrelink to help you look for work.
More information
Centrelink website: