Payment rates

These payment rates for Newstart Allowance are effective from 1 January 2010 and are a guide only.

• Payment amounts
• Income and assets tests
• Waiting periods
• Fortnightly application forms
• Payment adjustments and reviews

Payment amounts

Note: Pharmaceutical Allowance may be paid.

Income and assets tests

Income and assets tests are used to work out how much you can get.

Waiting periods

You are not usually paid for the first week you are eligible for Newstart Allowance. This is called an 'ordinary waiting period'. In addition to this, other waiting periods can also apply, including the Liquid Assets Waiting Period, the Income Maintenance Period and the Seasonal Work Preclusion Period.

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Fortnightly application forms

To keep receiving Newstart Allowance, you need to complete and lodge an application for payment form each fortnight to make sure you are still eligible and getting paid the right amount.

Payments are paid into your bank account each fortnight. You will be given an application for payment form to complete and lodge each fortnight before you can be paid. You need to complete and return the form in person to your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre on the date shown on the form, or the next working day.

We may let you post your form if:

• you live too far away from a Centrelink Customer Service Centre, or
• transport costs are too high, or
• you are enrolled in a training course, or
• you are sick.

In some circumstances you may be able to lodge your application for payment form less often. Please contact us for more information.

Payment adjustments and reviews

Newstart Allowance is usually adjusted on 20 March and 20 September each year in line with the Consumer Price Index - that is, in line with increases to the cost of living.

Your Newstart Allowance is reviewed periodically. When this happens, we will advise you of a review appointment. It is important that you attend these appointments.

More information

• A guide to Australian Government payments booklet
• Adjusting maximum payment rates
• Newstart payment rates factsheet
• Variable reporting
• Waiting periods
• Newstart Allowance section

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