Changes in 2026 to Jobseeker Support for 18- and 19-year-olds
The Government has announced changes to Jobseeker Support from November 2026. Young people, aged 18 and 19, will need to meet a Parental Assistance Test before they can get Jobseeker Support or Emergency Benefit.
This will not include 18- and 19-year-olds who have children.
The new Parental Assistance Test will include:
- a parental income test, demonstrating whether their parents earn income at or below the income limit, and/or
- a parental support gap test, demonstrating they cannot reasonably be expected to rely on their parents for support.
The income limit will be set at the same cut-out point as a couple with dependent children receiving the Supported Living Payment.
Currently the income limit is $65,529. This is expected to rise to reflect the Annual General Adjustment on 1 April for benefit payments.
This change will mean parents will be expected to support their 18- and 19-year-olds, while ensuring young people from very low-income families will still have access to support.