Mutual Obligation Requirements:
What is Mutual Obligation?If you are looking for work, the Australian community supports you in many ways, for example by paying income support, offering Centrelink self help facilities and referral services. Mutual Obligation is about you giving something back to the community which supports you. This means you are expected to actively look for work, accept suitable work offers and undertake extra activities to improve your chances of finding work. [ return to top ] Does Mutual Obligation affect me?You must participate in extra activities like a program or training course to improve your chances of finding work if you are aged 18 - 49 years and have been getting Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance, Special Benefit (Nominated Visa Holder), or Parenting Payment (with compulsory participation requirements) for six months. You are not affected by Mutual Obligation if you are:
[ return to top ] How do I meet my Mutual Obligation responsibilities?You can meet your Mutual Obligation requirements by participating in one, or a combination of: Some activities may have eligibility criteria, and not every activity is available in every location. Generally, it is your responsibility to find and take part in one of the approved activities. Centrelink will help by discussing these options at your Mutual Obligation interview and giving you information about local activities as well as helping you to participate in these activities. [ return to top ] Employment & Community Participation**Part-time paid work: you must be doing at least 130 hours over 13 fortnights. Work for the Dole: Work for the Dole placements cover a wide range of activities, such as heritage and/or history, the environment, community care, tourism, sport, providing community services and restoring and maintaining community services and facilities. Work for the Dole services are managed by Community Work Coordinators and delivered through community or government organisations or agencies such as local government and community groups. Community Work Coordinators refer and support you in your Work for Dole activities. You may be required to take part in Work for the Dole if you are:
If you are aged 18 and over and getting the full or partial rate of Youth or Newstart Allowance, you can volunteer to participate in a Work for the Dole activity. You get an extra $20.80 per fortnight. Protective clothing is provided by the project sponsor if it is needed and essential training, such as occupational health and safety training, is also provided. Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP): Indigenous community organisations are funded by ATSIC to run CDEPs in urban, rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. CDEPs relate to each community's needs. Activities develop your work and employment skills. CDEPs also act as a stepping stone into the mainstream labour market. Although participation requirements are set by project coordinators and may vary between projects, you will generally need to do five days per week for 6-12 months. Community Work: You must do 200 hours in six months (if you are aged 18 - 20), 240 hours in six months (if you are aged 21 - 39) and 150 hours in six months (if you are aged 40 - 49). Green Corps: You must do five days a week for six months. Green Corps is available for young people aged 17 - 20, and you will get a training allowance instead of Youth Allowance. Relocation: You can choose to move to another area where you have more chance of finding a job or where your skills are in higher demand. This must be followed by 14 weeks of intensive job search.ss [ return to top ] Training**Approved Language, Literacy and Numeracy Training: You must do 10 to 20 hours of activity a week in an initial training block of 160 hours. There is a maximum of 800 hours training available in 160 hour blocks and access depends on your needs, participation and improvement in skills. In some cases, participation in approved Language, Literacy and Numeracy training may be compulsory. Part-time study in an approved education or training course: you must have:
You must complete the unit of study. Australian Apprenticeships Access Program: The length of the course followed by intensive job search activity for a minimum of 17 weeks. You must complete the program. Defence Force Reserve: You must do 200 hours in six months (if you are aged 18 - 20), 240 hours in six months (if you are aged 21 - 39) and 150 hours in six months (if you are aged 40 - 49). ** Please note: Customers who have been assessed as having a partial capacity to work, may have a reduced Mutual Obligation requirement. This will be discussed at your Mutual Obligatin appointment. [ return to top ] Assistance Programs**Youth Pathways: helps young people who are most at risk of not making a successful transition to reach their full potential by keeping them engaged or re-engaging them with education and training. Job Placement, Employment and Training: Maintain regular contact with the Job Placement, Employment and Training Provider for the length of the program (at least six months). The hours each fortnight can vary depending on your needs. You must complete the program. Career Planning: this is available in most locations and involves two small-group sessions, each running for about two hours, with the option of two additional one-on-one sessions. It does not satisfy Mutual Obligation requirements. Voluntary work/training courses: Centrelink has a large national register of approved not-for-profit community organisations you can contact about voluntary work. ** Please note: Customers who have been assessed as having a partial capacity to work, may have a reduced Mutual Obligation requirement. This will be discussed at your Mutual Obligatin appointment. [ return to top ] What happens if I don't meet my Mutual Obligation responsibilities?If you don't meet your Mutual Obligation requirement, you may have a a participation failure applied. Even if you have a a participation failure applied, you must still meet your Mutual Obligation requirement. [ return to top ] Can I appeal if I get a penalty for not meeting my Mutual Obligation?Yes, you always have the right to appeal any decision made by Centrelink. For more information about how to have a decision looked at again, go to Reviews and Appeals. [ return to top ] Did you find what you were looking for? You can also try the A-Z list, quick links, search, site help or send us feedback on how to make this a better website. |