From Monday 28 September, mutual obligation requirements became compulsory if you’re receiving any of these types of payments:

  • JobSeeker Payment
  • Youth Allowance as a job seeker
  • Parenting Payment and are a compulsory ParentsNext participant
  • Parenting Payment single after your youngest child turns 6
  • Special Benefit paid under certain conditions.

Which may mean you have to start completing mutual obligation requirements even if you haven’t before.

Don’t worry – we’re here to help.

We’re here to help you as a trusted DES provider, so let’s cover the basics of what you need to know.

What are ‘mutual obligation’ requirements?

Mutual obligation requirements are tasks and activities you do while receiving the JobSeeker Payment from Centrelink to help you find a job.

They’re to help you take proactive steps to find work and keep track of your efforts and progress.

Do mutual obligations apply to people in South Australia?

Yes – mutual obligations are a national requirement. (The only state with different requirements at the moment is Victoria.)

As Jobedge is a local Adelaide Disability Employment Services provider, we’ll know if there is any specific South Australian information you need to know.

How do I know what my mutual obligations are? 

Your specific mutual obligations will be listed in your Job Plan. 

It’ll include things like:

  • doing all the tasks and activities listed in your Job Plan
  • going to appointments with your employment services provider (like Jobedge)
  • completing and reporting on your job searches
  • accepting any offers of suitable paid work.

But before you start, if you haven’t already, you’ll need to: 

  • complete the Job Seeker Snapshot questionnaire
  • agree to a Job Plan
  • connect to an employment service (like us!)

I’m confused – can someone help me?

Yes! We can and want to help.

As a DES provider, we can help you get set up with your questionnaire and agree to a Job Plan, as well as ensure all your details are up to date.

From there, we can also help you with your ongoing mutual obligation requirements.

How does Jobedge help me with my mutual obligations?

We’ll help you complete the tasks and activities listed in your Job Plan. Some examples of what could be in your Job Plan and how we’ll help:  

  • Meeting a DES provider (like Jobedge) at regular, scheduled times – you can meet with us at an arranged schedule! 
  • Attending interviews, training programs or other groups – we can help you apply for interviews and find training programs that suit your skills. 
  • Looking for a specific number of jobs each week – we will help you find and apply for roles. 
  • Keep track of your activity and attendance on your online dashboard – we can help you log and track everything you need to 

Sounds good. What do I need to do now?

Get in touch with us! You can either reach out to a Job Coach now or find a Jobedge location near you. 

We’re here to make the process easier and help you feel prepared, so that you can find and succeed in your dream job. 

Sources:
“Mutual obligation requirements”, Services Australia, accessed Monday 28 September – https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/jobseeker-payment/what-your-commitments-are/mutual-obligation-requirements

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