Mutual Obligations
What Are Mutual Obligations?
Requirements you must meet to keep receiving JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance.
Points-Based System
Monthly Target
- Most job seekers: 100 points per month
- Reduced capacity: 20-85 points
- Exemptions available: 0 points
How to Earn Points
Job Search (5 points each)
- Apply for suitable job
- Must be genuine application
- Keep evidence of all applications
Appointments (10-20 points)
- Provider appointments: 10 points
- Job interviews: 20 points
- Employer meetings: 20 points
Activities (Variable)
- Work for the Dole: 25 points/week
- Training courses: 20 points/week
- Part-time work: 8 hours = 100 points
- Volunteering: 20 points/week
Reporting Requirements
Fortnightly Reporting
- Report every 2 weeks
- Include all income
- Report on your reporting day
- Can report up to 13 days early
What to Report
- Employment income
- Cash payments
- Government payments
- Changes in circumstances
Compliance Framework
Green Zone (Compliant)
- Meeting all requirements
- Payment continues normally
- No penalties
Warning Zone
- First missed requirement
- Payment not affected
- Must re-engage quickly
Penalty Zone
- Repeated non-compliance
- Payment suspensions
- Financial penalties possible
Penalties
Payment Suspension
- Immediate stop to payment
- Must re-engage to restore
- Back-pay possible if valid reason
Demerits
- 1 demerit: First failure
- 2 demerits: Second failure
- 3 demerits: Third failure
Financial Penalties
- After 3 demerits in 6 months
- Lose 1 week’s payment
- After 5 demerits: 2 weeks
- After 6 demerits: 4 weeks
Valid Reasons
Acceptable Excuses
- Medical emergency
- Death in family
- Natural disaster
- Domestic violence
- Mental health crisis
Evidence Required
- Medical certificate
- Police report
- Statutory declaration
- Support worker statement
Exemptions
Temporary Exemptions
- Major personal crisis: up to 14 weeks
- Medical condition: variable
- Domestic violence: up to 16 weeks
Special Circumstances
- Pregnancy (6 weeks before due date)
- Major disaster affected
- Temporary incapacity
- Caring responsibilities
Tips to Stay Compliant
- Use the app: Track points easily
- Set reminders: For reporting days
- Keep records: All job applications
- Communicate: Tell provider about issues
- Ask for help: Before missing requirements
Getting Help
If You’re Struggling
- Talk to your provider immediately
- Ask for exemption if needed
- Contact welfare rights service
- Get medical evidence early
Support Services
- National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007
- Centrelink: 136 240
- Complaints: 1800 132 468