Most useful information for recently unemployed

1. Dependent or independent
2. Independent through work

Independent for ABSTUDY through full time work

You may be independent if you worked full time. You must have worked an average of 30 hours a week for at least 18 months within any 2 year period.

1. Dependent or independent
2. Independent through work

Independent for ABSTUDY through rural and remote students part time work or earnings

You may be independent through work if you’re a student from a rural or remote area.

1. How to manage your participation requirements
2. Getting a medical certificate

What happens when you give us a medical certificate for Disability Support Pension

We use your medical certificate to work out if you need an exemption from your participation requirements. This is so you can keep getting Disability Support Pension while you recover.

1. Meeting participation requirements if you’re under 35
2. How to manage your participation requirements

Getting a medical certificate for Disability Support Pension

You may be exempt from meeting your participation requirements for a short time if you’re sick or injured. You’ll need to give us a medical certificate.

1. What your commitments are
2. Getting a medical certificate

What happens when you give us a medical certificate for Youth Allowance for job seekers

We use your medical certificate to work out if you need an exemption from your requirements for a short time. This is so you can keep getting Youth Allowance for job seekers.

1. Parenting Payment
2. What your commitments are

Getting a medical certificate for Parenting Payment

If you get Parenting Payment there are some reasons you may need to give us a medical certificate.

Directors fees

Directors fees count towards your income test. They can affect your Centrelink payment.

Getting help to find work when you’re getting Disability Support Pension (DSP)

There’s support available if you want to work while getting Disability Support Pension (DSP) and need help to find or keep a job.

1. Working while you get DSP
2. Getting help to find work

Job search and financial help while getting Disability Support Pension (DSP)

If you’re looking for work, there’s support services to help you with your job search, self-employment or financial help.

1. Working while you get DSP
2. Getting help to find work

Other support and advice while getting DSP

There’s other support and advice available if you need to help to find work while getting Disability Support Pension (DSP). You can also get advice about your employment rights.