Perth

๐Ÿ’ผ

Employment Support

Guidance on job-seeker programs, employment agencies, and work-related benefits for newcomers.

Sections

1. Types of Employment Support Benefits in Perth

A. Financial Assistance

  1. JobSeeker Payment

    • What it is: A government-provided financial benefit for individuals who are unemployed and actively seeking work or participating in approved activities (e.g., training or volunteering).
    • Eligibility:
      • Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa.
      • Aged between 22 and the Age Pension age.
      • Meet income and asset tests.
      • Actively seeking work or participating in approved activities.
    • Payment Amount: Varies based on your circumstances (e.g., single, partnered, with children). As of 2023, the base rate for a single person with no children is approximately AUD 701.90 per fortnight.
    • How to Apply: Applications are made through Services Australia (Centrelink). You can apply online via your myGov account or visit a Centrelink office in Perth.

  2. Youth Allowance

    • What it is: Financial support for young people aged 16โ€“24 who are studying, training, or looking for work.
    • Eligibility:
      • Aged 16โ€“21 and looking for work, or 18โ€“24 and studying full-time.
      • Meet residency, income, and asset tests.
    • Payment Amount: Varies based on age, living arrangements, and whether you are dependent or independent.
    • How to Apply: Applications are made through Services Australia via myGov.

  3. Parenting Payment

    • What it is: Financial support for low-income parents or guardians of young children.
    • Eligibility:
      • Must be the primary carer of a child under 8 (if single) or under 6 (if partnered).
      • Meet income and asset tests.
    • Payment Amount: Varies based on your circumstances.
    • How to Apply: Through Services Australia.

B. Employment Services

  1. Workforce Australia

    • What it is: A government initiative providing free employment services, including job-matching, resume assistance, and interview preparation.
    • Eligibility: Open to all job seekers, but priority is given to those receiving JobSeeker or Youth Allowance.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Access: Register online at the Workforce Australia website or visit a local provider in Perth.

  2. Disability Employment Services (DES)

    • What it is: Tailored support for individuals with disabilities, injuries, or health conditions to find and maintain employment.
    • Eligibility:
      • Must have a disability, injury, or health condition that impacts your ability to work.
      • Be an Australian resident or hold an eligible visa.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Access: Register through Workforce Australia or contact a DES provider directly.

  3. Skills Development and Training Programs

    • What it is: Subsidized or free training programs to help job seekers gain new skills or qualifications.
    • Examples:
      • Jobs and Skills WA: Offers free or low-cost training courses in high-demand industries.
      • TAFE WA: Provides vocational education and training (VET) courses.
    • Cost: Varies; many programs are free for eligible participants.
    • How to Access: Visit the Jobs and Skills WA website or contact a local TAFE campus.

C. Other Benefits

  1. Rent Assistance

    • What it is: A supplementary payment for individuals receiving Centrelink benefits who are renting in the private market or community housing.
    • Eligibility: Must already be receiving a qualifying Centrelink payment and paying rent above a certain threshold.
    • Payment Amount: Varies based on rent paid and household circumstances.
    • How to Apply: Automatically assessed when you apply for a Centrelink payment.

  2. Concession Cards

    • What it is: Cards that provide discounts on public transport, utilities, and healthcare. Examples include the Health Care Card and Pensioner Concession Card.
    • Eligibility: Automatically issued to individuals receiving certain Centrelink payments.
    • Cost: Free.
    • How to Access: Issued by Services Australia.

2. Costs Associated with Benefits

  • Most employment support benefits and services are free for eligible individuals.
  • Some training programs may have minimal fees, but many are subsidized or fully funded for job seekers.
  • If you are not eligible for government-funded programs, private employment services and training courses may charge fees.

3. Procedures for Accessing Benefits

  1. Create a myGov Account

    • Visit the myGov website (https://my.gov.au) and create an account.
    • Link your account to Centrelink to manage applications and payments online.

  2. Gather Required Documents

    • Proof of identity (e.g., passport, driverโ€™s license).
    • Residency status (e.g., visa details).
    • Income and asset information.
    • Bank account details.

  3. Submit an Application

    • Log in to your myGov account and complete the relevant application form for the benefit you are seeking.
    • Alternatively, visit a Centrelink office in Perth for in-person assistance.

  4. Attend Appointments

    • You may be required to attend an interview or appointment to discuss your circumstances and eligibility.

  5. Meet Mutual Obligations

    • For benefits like JobSeeker, you must meet mutual obligation requirements, such as applying for a certain number of jobs per month or participating in training programs.

4. Local Site Considerations and Resources in Perth

  1. Centrelink Offices

    • Locations:
      • Perth City: 770 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000.
      • Cannington: 18 Cecil Avenue, Cannington WA 6107.
      • Mirrabooka: 43 Yirrigan Drive, Mirrabooka WA 6061.
    • Services: Application assistance, document submission, and general inquiries.

  2. Jobs and Skills Centres

    • Locations:
      • North Metropolitan TAFE, 30 Aberdeen Street, Northbridge WA 6003.
      • South Metropolitan TAFE, 1 Fleet Street, Fremantle WA 6160.
    • Services: Career advice, training information, and job-matching services.

  3. Community Organizations

    • The Salvation Army Employment Plus: Offers job-seeking support and training.
    • Mission Australia: Provides employment and community services.
    • Multicultural Services Centre of WA: Tailored support for migrants and refugees.

  4. Public Libraries

    • Many libraries in Perth offer free internet access, resume-writing workshops, and job-seeking resources.

5. Tips for Navigating Employment Support in Perth

  • Stay Organized: Keep track of application deadlines, required documents, and mutual obligation requirements.
  • Use Online Tools: The myGov portal and Workforce Australia website are essential for managing benefits and job-seeking activities.
  • Seek Local Advice: Visit a Jobs and Skills Centre or community organization for personalized guidance.
  • Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with workplace rights and entitlements through the Fair Work Ombudsman (https://www.fairwork.gov.au).

By leveraging these resources and following the outlined procedures, you can effectively access employment support benefits in Perth and take steps toward achieving your career goals. Let me know if you need further assistance!