Recently unemployed checklist
Check your rights if you've lost your job
There are rules employers must follow to end employment. If they break the rules, you can get help.
You can check your:
- employer gave you the correct amount of notice
- final pay includes all your entitlements
- dismissal is fair and lawful.
Find the rules 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.
Claim a Centrelink payment
You may be able to get one of 3 main payments. Go to the Services Australia website to find out if you can get:
- JobSeeker Payment if you’re aged 22 to 66
- Youth Allowance for job seekers if you’re aged 16 to 21
- Parenting Payment if you’re a young child’s main carer.
Depending on your situation, you may get other government help with money.
How to claim
Check the payment is right for you before you claim.
You can apply in your Centrelink online account through myGov.
If you haven’t linked Centrelink to your myGov account, find out how to link Centrelink.
You may need your previous employer to complete an Employment Separation Certificate. Find out when you need an Employment Separation Certificate on the Services Australia website.
Tell Services Australia things have changed
If you already get a Centrelink payment, you may need to report that your employment and income have changed. Find out how to change your circumstances with Centrelink on the Services Australia website.
Income changes can affect child support payments. Find out about change of circumstances for child support on the Services Australia website.
You may need your previous employer to complete an Employment Separation Certificate. Find out when you need an Employment Separation Certificate on the Services Australia website.
Apply for a concession card
You can get cheaper health care and medicines if you have a concession card. Find out about types of cards on the Services Australia website.
Low Income Health Care Card
If you’re on a low income, you can apply for a Low Income Health Care Card. Check who can get a card on the Services Australia website.
You can apply in your Centrelink online account through myGov.
If you haven’t linked Centrelink to your myGov account, find out how to link Centrelink.
Find concessions in your state or territory
Your state or territory government may offer concessions. You can find out what they offer on their website.
These links will take you away from myGov.
- ACT – Cost of living support
- NSW – Savings Finder
- NT – Concessions and payments
- Qld – Find concessions and rebates
- SA – Concession finder
- Tas – Concessions and discounts
- Vic – Concessions and benefits
- WA – Concessions available in Western Australia
Find ways to save money
You can find more support with:
- household costs such as bills, groceries, housing, transport and education
- health care costs
- creating a budget.
No Interest Loans can help with unexpected expenses. Find out more about No Interest Loans on the Good Shepherd website.
Get visa advice
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 help for visa holders and migrants on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Look for work
There are resources to help you to:
- find a job
- apply for jobs
- upgrade your skills
- start a business
- look after your mental health during this time.