The Australian government has officially confirmed that JobSeeker payments will sit at $795 per fortnight for single adults in 2025. For many people, this announcement is both reassuring and frustrating. On the one hand, it’s good to have clarity about what’s coming. On the other hand, there’s still plenty of debate about whether the rate is anywhere near enough to cover today’s rising living costs.
Let’s unpack this in plain, everyday terms.
What the New Rate Means in Real Life
So, what does $795 a fortnight actually translate to? Put simply, it’s about $397.50 per week. If you’re on JobSeeker, this is the maximum base payment for a single adult with no children.
Now, to be fair, that might sound okay at first glance—especially compared to the fact that JobSeeker was just $40 a day not too long ago. But here’s the catch: $397.50 a week is still way below the minimum wage, which currently sits at over $900 a week before tax.
When you break it down further, $397.50 needs to stretch across rent, food, transport, utilities, internet, and everything else. For many Australians—especially those in cities like Sydney or Melbourne—that barely covers rent, let alone other costs.
Why the Debate Isn’t Going Away
Honestly, this payment increase is one of those things where everyone has an opinion. Advocates for welfare reform argue that $795 per fortnight simply isn’t enough for someone to live on with dignity. Many charities and economists are pushing for a more realistic safety net, saying people on JobSeeker are often forced to choose between essentials like food and power bills.
On the flip side, some critics say higher payments might discourage people from seeking work. However, research consistently shows that most JobSeeker recipients want to work and are simply stuck in a tough market where jobs aren’t always easy to secure.
A Quick Look Back
It’s worth remembering that JobSeeker has had a rocky history. Before 2020, the payment was widely criticised as being among the lowest unemployment benefits in the developed world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government temporarily boosted it with the Coronavirus Supplement, which nearly doubled the rate. That move showed Australians two things:
- Living standards improve significantly with higher support.
- The government actually has the capacity to adjust payments when it decides it’s necessary.
Since then, though, the rates have settled back down—albeit slightly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Still, the current $795 per fortnight doesn’t come close to pandemic-era support.
How JobSeeker Compares
Here’s a simple breakdown so you can see where JobSeeker sits against other forms of support:
| Payment Type | Fortnightly Rate (2025) | Weekly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| JobSeeker (Single Adult) | $795 | $397.50 |
| Age Pension (Single) | $1,116 | $558 |
| Minimum Wage (Full-time) | ~$1,860 before tax | ~$930 |
| Youth Allowance (Single) | $791 | $395.50 |
Looking at this table, you can immediately spot the gap. The age pension, for instance, is significantly higher, while JobSeeker sits at the very bottom when compared to wages and other payments.
What’s Next for Recipients?
For anyone relying on JobSeeker, the reality is simple: budgeting remains tight. Rent assistance, healthcare concessions, and community services provide some relief, but they don’t erase the day-to-day struggle of stretching less than $400 a week.
That’s why there’s likely to be continued pressure on the government. Many welfare groups argue that JobSeeker should be lifted to at least 90% of the age pension, which would push it closer to $1,000 per fortnight. Whether that ever happens is another story, but it’s clear that this latest confirmation of $795 hasn’t silenced the conversation.
At the end of the day, JobSeeker is supposed to be a safety net—a bridge between jobs, not a long-term survival plan. Yet in reality, thousands of Australians depend on it for extended periods because secure, full-time work isn’t always available.
So while $795 a fortnight for single adults is better than nothing, many will tell you it’s still not enough. Honestly, the debate comes down to this: should welfare just keep people barely afloat, or should it give them a chance to live decently while they look for work?
That’s the question Australians will keep wrestling with in 2025 and beyond.
FAQs
1. What is the new JobSeeker rate for single adults in 2025?
The confirmed rate is $795 per fortnight, or about $397.50 per week.
2. Does this amount include rent assistance?
No, rent assistance is separate and can be added if you’re eligible.
3. How does JobSeeker compare to the age pension?
The age pension is higher, sitting at over $1,100 per fortnight for singles.
4. Can couples receive more than $795?
Yes. Couples on JobSeeker receive a slightly different rate per person, but combined, it is more than the single rate.
5. Why is there criticism of the JobSeeker rate?
Critics argue that $795 isn’t enough to cover basic living expenses, especially in high-cost cities.