The Ordinary Waiting Period may apply for new job seeker or parenting payment claims

Published: 11 May 2026

If you're claiming JobSeeker Payment, Parenting Payment or Youth Allowance for job seekers, you may need to wait before you get your first payment.

You may need to wait for one week before you get your payment. This is called the Ordinary Waiting Period.

There may be other waiting periods that can also apply before you can get your first payment.

You can select the payment you’re claiming to find out more about the Ordinary Waiting Period.

Page last updated: 11 May 2026.
QC 84045