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- 1 Key terms & concepts Toggle sub-menu - 1.1 Definition of crucial terms
- 1.2 Descriptions of payments/benefits Toggle sub-menu - 1.2.1 Jobseeker payment & youth allowance - description Toggle sub-menu - 1.2.1.05 Jobseeker payment (JSP) - description
- 1.2.1.10 Newstart allowance (NSA) - description
- 1.2.1.20 Youth allowance (YA) - description

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- 1 Key terms & principles
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- 1.2.1 Jobseeker payment & youth allowance - description
- 1.2.1.05 Jobseeker payment (JSP) - description

The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to help choice makers administering social policy law. The info contained in this publication is intended just as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The details is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may undergo alter. To go over individual situations please contact Services Australia.

1.2.1.05 Jobseeker payment (JSP) - description

What is JSP?

JSP is the working age payment that changed NSA from 20 March 2020.

JSP is an income support payment that provides financial assistance to individuals aged 22 years to age pension age who have capability to work now or in the near future and prepared to meet mutual responsibility requirements.

JSP will consist of access for individuals who have temporarily quit working or studying to recuperate from a disease or injury however who work or study to go back to. When the incapacity ends, and unless exempted from mutual obligations requirements (3.11.5), a recipient must:

- take part in or want to participate in approved activities, and/or employment job search, and
- be prepared to participate in, abide by or differ an existing Job Plan to satisfy the mutual commitment requirements (3.11 ).

How is JSP privilege determined?

JSP is determined on a daily basis and is paid in defaults, generally in instalments of 14 days. Instalment durations of less than 2 week might be paid where a person changes their payday arrangements.

Policy recommendation: SS Guide 8.4 Payment techniques

Supplementary support

Recipients receiving JSP MAY likewise receive one or more of the following as part of their JSP rate:

- rent support (1.2.7.10).
- energy supplement (1.2.7.50).
- pharmaceutical allowance (1.2.7.20).
- remote location allowance (1.2.7.80).
- authorized program of work supplement (1.2.7.180).

They MAY also be entitled to the following while in receipt of JSP:

- telephone allowance (1.2.7.70).
HCC (1.2.8.10) or PCC (1.2.8.20).
LLNS (1.2.7.110) if undertaking training through the Skills for Education and Employment Program.

Bereavement payment arrangements

Following the death of a partner, employment the surviving member of a couple may be eligible for bereavement payments or employment a one-off partner bereavement payment

Act referral: SSAct area 660LA Ongoing payment for death of partner, section 660LH One-off payment for death of partner

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.1.5 Bereavement payment arrangements

Background to JSP

JSP was introduced on 20 March 2020. The following payments progressively ceased as part of the development of JSP:

- NSA (1.2.1.10) (stopped on 20 March 2020).
SA (1.2.5.30) (near to new receivers on 20 March 2020 and ceased on 20 September 2020).
BVA (near brand-new receivers on 20 March 2020 and stopped when all existing receivers completed their bereavement duration).
WA (1.2.3.30) (near to new receivers on 1 July 2018 and ceased on 1 January 2022).
WP (1.2.3.20) (closed to brand-new recipients on 1 July 1995 stopped on 20 March 2020).
PA (1.2.2.10) (near to brand-new recipients on 20 September 2003 stopped on 1 January 2022).
WidB (1.2.3.40) (near new recipients on 20 March 1997 stopped on 20 March 2020).

Last reviewed: 20 September 2022

The Australian Government acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, water, culture and community. We pay our aspects to the Elders both previous and employment present.