What Benefits and Services Are Available for the Unemployed?
Whether you have just become unemployed, or you have been unemployed for several months, it is important that you understand that you are not alone. With an unemployment rate of 5.8 percent, many people are dealing with the effects of unemployment.
It is also important to understand the different benefits and services that are available to you. These benefits can help you stay financially stable while you remain unemployed and help you get back on your feet with new job opportunities.
Newstart Allowance
As soon as you become unemployed, it is important that you contact the Centrelink office nearest your location, or online, and apply for Newstart Allowance benefits. These benefits will pay you an average of $552.40 if you are single with a dependent, $510.50 if you are single without a dependent and $460.90 if you are married. These payments are made every fortnight and will last throughout your unemployment.
Other Centrelink Benefits
While applying for your Newstart Allowance benefits, you should also check to see if you qualify for any other Centrelink Benefits, such as Parenting Payments, and Rent Assistance. Both of these programs are designed to help cover some of the expenses of running a household and can be extremely beneficial while you remain unemployed.
Hardship Allowances
Many companies, especially utility companies, offer a hardship allowance program to help people who are experiencing financial difficulty. If you have fallen behind on any of your bills, especially utility bills contact each company separately and ask them if they offer a hardship allowance program. You may qualify for a reduction in the amount of money you owe, or they may extend your payment period without adding additional late fees.
Mortgage Relief
Depending on your specific mortgage contract, you may be eligible for mortgage relief while you are unemployed. If you know that you are going to have trouble keeping up with your regular mortgage payments, you should contact your mortgage lender to see if you qualify for a mortgage relief. This could postpone your regular mortgage payments while you are unemployed for up to 12 months.
Help Finding a Job
The Australian government has also set up several programs to help those who are unemployed get back into the workforce. Job Seekers Workshops are designed to provide unemployed people with the skills needed to find a new job, such as resume writing help, job interview tips, and job seeker tips. If you are receiving Newstart Allowance, you may be required to attend these workshops for 13 weeks. Other programs, such as the Local Connections to Work and the Experience + Work Ready are designed to help job searchers break down any barriers that may be preventing them from getting a job. The online JobSearch site offers a large database of job opportunities in Australia.
Together these benefits and services can help you manage your finances during the duration of your unemployment, and even help you find a new job. It is vital that you seek out help as soon as you become unemployed, and before you get too far behind in your finances. Do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. After all, these programs and services are specifically designed to help people who find themselves unemployed and they can help you get through this difficult time.
Image by Stuart Miles
