Mutual obligation requirements if you’re 55 or older

If you’re 55 or older you can choose to meet your mutual obligation requirements by doing an alternative activity. You'll need to spend at least 30 hours per fortnight on this activity. This could be any of the following:

• suitable paid work
• self-employment
• approved voluntary work.

You can do a mix of these options in your 30 hours.

If you want to do voluntary work you need to talk to us about it. We must agree the work is suitable and the organisation is an approved voluntary work provider.

You can use the Voluntary Work Verification of Voluntary Work form to seek approval from us.

When you’re between 55 and 59

You must do at least 15 hours per fortnight in suitable paid work. You can’t do more than 15 hours per fortnight of voluntary work.

Your options for meeting your requirements change, when you’ve been on your current payment for 12 months. You can do voluntary work for up to 30 hours per fortnight. You can choose to do a combination of voluntary and paid work, but with less hours of paid work.

When you turn 60

You can do voluntary work for up to 30 hours per fortnight. You can also choose to do a combination of voluntary and paid work, but with less hours of paid work.

What exemptions may apply

You may be exempt from mutual obligation requirements in certain circumstances.