Unemployment Benefits in Australia.
An example of current benefits available to the unemployed in Australia at September 2009
NEWSTART ALLOWANCE
Maximum fortnightly payment
- $456.00 single, no children
- $493.30 single, with dependent child(ren)
- $493.30 single, aged 60 or over, after nine continuous months on payment
- $411.50 Partnered (each)
- $574.50 single, principal carer of a dependent child
Plus you may also be entitled to some of these extra payments and benefits:
- Education Entry Payment – An extra, non-taxable Education Entry Payment supplement of $950 is also payable if you enrol in your course
- Health Care Card or Pension Concession Card – see note 1:
- Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program Supplement
- Pensioner Education Supplement
- Pharmaceutical Allowance – $6 per fortnight
- Remote Area Allowance
- Rent Assistance – up to $111.80 per fortnight
- Telephone Allowance – $23.40 per quarter
- Training Supplement – $41.60 per fortnight is payable to eligible Newstart Allowance jobseekers
- Work for the Dole Supplement – an extra $20.80 per fortnight.
- Note 1: A Health Care Card also entitles you to various concession from State and Territory Governments and local councils ??these could include:
- discounts on property and water rates
- discounts on energy bills
- a telephone allowance
- reduced fares on public transport
- discounts on motor vehicle registration
- free rail journeys.
More information at: