Mutual obligation changes for job seekers

As the Morrison government extends the JobSeeker coronavirus supplement to the end of the year, it is also reinstating mutual obligations.

FROM AUGUST 4

People looking for work are expected to:

* Participate in at least one phone or online appointment with their job services provider

* Agree to a job plan which lays out what a job hunter will do while on the payment to move back into employment

* Undertake four job searches a month

* Take part in training or other activities online or in person if safe.

PENALTIES

* Payments will not be suspended and financial penalties won't apply if job hunters can't meet the above requirements

* Payments may be cancelled if a job offer is rejected without a valid reason, and it would be four weeks before a new welfare application is allowed

* Job seekers struggling to meet obligations are encouraged to speak with their job service providers.

FROM SEPTEMBER 25

* Asset testing will be reintroduced

* The liquid assets waiting period will apply for new applications

* People on JobSeeker and Youth Allowance can earn up to $300 per fortnight without payments being affected, up from $106 and $143 respectively

* The coronavirus supplement will be $250 per fortnight from September 25 until December 31, down from $550

* JobSeeker payments will be reduced by 27 cents instead of 25 for every dollar a recipient's partner earns over $1165 a fortnight

* If a recipient earns less than $300 per fortnight their partner can earn up to $3086.11 a fortnight until their JobSeeker payment reduces to zero

* The government is expected to reveal the permanent JobSeeker rate in the October 6 budget.

(Source: Department of Education, Skills and Employment, Services Australia)

Australian Associated Press