Jobseeker changes for young people

The story so far

The government has announced that from November 2026, parents earning over $65,000 will be taken into account before their 18- and 19-year-olds can get Jobseeker Support or Emergency Benefits.^{5, 6, 8 Oct 2025} About 4,300 teenagers could be affected, and hundreds of disabled or sick 18- and 19-year-olds may also lose Jobseeker payments.^{5, 8 Oct 2025} Alongside the stricter rules, the government plans a $1,000 bonus for young people who stay in employment for a year.^{5, 6 Oct 2025} Critics say the rules do not reflect how hard it is to find work, while the government says the policy will help meet its benefit reduction targets.^{8 Oct 2025; 14 Nov 2025} The Greens say the changes will push young people towards food banks, and newly released documents show officials warned ministers against them.^{14, 26 Nov 2025}

Latest

A Citizens Advice Bureau report based on more than 10,000 requests says people are struggling to meet basic living costs because of welfare changes.^{11 Dec 2025}

What's next

The parental income test is scheduled to take effect in November 2026.^{5, 6 Oct 2025}

Key moments

1. 5 Oct 2025Government announces parental income test and $1,000 youth employment bonus
2. 6 Oct 2025Youth advocate criticises means-testing of parents for young jobseekers
3. 8 Oct 2025Hundreds of disabled or sick teenagers may lose Jobseeker payments
4. 14 Nov 2025Greens say changes will increase food bank use; target set for 2030
5. 26 Nov 2025Released documents show officials warned ministers against teenage welfare crackdown
6. 11 Dec 2025Citizens Advice Bureau report reveals hardship from welfare changes

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.