Participation requirements
If you are looking for work, Centrelink supports you in many ways, for example by paying income support, offering self service facilities and referral services.
As part of this support you are expected to look for work, accept suitable work offers and do extra activities to improve your chances of finding work.
To meet your part-time participation requirements you may need to:
- enter into an Employment Pathway Plan
- look for a part-time job of at least 30 hours a fortnight
- participate in employment services (such as Job Services Australia)
- undertake a period of work experience activity with your Employment Services Provider.
You may also be able to meet your participation requirements by undertaking paid work, study, or a combination of the 2, for at least 30 hours a fortnight.
You may be able to receive a short-term exemption from your participation requirements in special circumstances.
Employment Pathway Plan
An Employment Pathway Plan explains what you need to do to get a job or to improve your employment prospects and what assistance you will be offered. It is a legal document and starts from the date you sign it. You may not be paid income support if you refuse to enter into an Employment Pathway Plan when asked to do so.
Once you have signed an Employment Pathway Plan, you will need to complete the agreed activities to continue receiving Parenting Payment.
What you need to do
You do not need to do anything until Centrelink contacts you to arrange a Participation Interview.
During the interview, you will discuss your participation requirements with a Centrelink Customer Service Adviser to work out the level of support you need to help you find suitable work. You may be asked to negotiate an Employment Pathway Plan during the interview.
If you are not available for this interview and do not make alternative arrangements, your Parenting Payment may be affected.
If you can't attend your interview you must let Centrelink know, so you can arrange for a more suitable time.