JobSeeker changes for 18- and 19-year-olds
Social Development Minister Louise Upston has announced that from November 2026 most 18- and 19-year-olds will no longer qualify for the JobSeeker benefit in their own right and will instead be expected to rely on parental support, unless their parents earn below an income threshold (reported at about $67,225) or family support is not possible. The Government says around 17,800 young people could be affected, including about 2,700 who receive JobSeeker under its health and disability category.
What it does
Upston said 18- and 19-year-olds should be supported by their parents and, when they are well enough, should be in training, education or work. She pointed to the Supported Living Payment as an alternative for those too unwell to work. The change extends a parental-assistance test already applied to younger teens.
The reaction
Green MP Ricardo Menendez March called the policy cruel, arguing it targets young people already assessed as unable to work, that the income threshold is too low, and that it would worsen outcomes for those with psychological or psychiatric conditions.
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Key milestones
Government to end automatic JobSeeker for most 18- and 19-year-olds
Social Development Minister Louise Upston announced that from November 2026 most 18- and 19-year-olds will need to rely on parental support rather than receive JobSeeker in their own right, unless parental income is below about $67,225 or family support is not available. The Government estimates about 17,800 young people could be affected, including roughly 2,700 receiving JobSeeker under the health and disability category. Upston said young people should be supported by their parents and, when well enough, be in education, training or work, and pointed to the Supported Living Payment for those too unwell to work. Green MP Ricardo Menendez March called the policy cruel and said it would harm young people with health conditions who have already been assessed as unable to work.