Helpful information if you’re unemployed

Find help to understand your rights, manage money and look after yourself if you've lost your job.

Your rights if you’ve lost your job

If you’ve unexpectedly lost your job, you may be thinking about your rights.

If you’re unsure what your rights are, the Fair Work Ombudsman has information to help.

You can check that your:

  • employer gave you the correct amount of notice
  • final pay includes all your entitlements
  • dismissal is fair and lawful.

Find information about ending employment on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

If your dismissal was unfair or unlawful

Apply for help within 21 days of your dismissal. Get help with job loss or dismissal on the Fair Work Commission website.

If you have a visa to work in Australia

Losing your job may affect your visa. Get advice now that your job situation has changed on the Department of Home Affairs website.

You have the same workplace rights and protections as all other employees in Australia. There is more help for visa holders and migrants on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

Help managing money

There may be ways to save money or get financial help from your state or territory government. You may also save money by creating a budget.

Getting health care

Medicare can help you access affordable health care and services. You can learn more about on the Services Australia website about:

Mental health support

There's free support and information available to help with mental health. Find out more about getting mental health support.

Help in your language

There is help to understand workplace rights in your language. Find language help on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.

On the Services Australia website, you can find:


Page last updated: 1 August 2025