The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

6.3.2 Jobseeker payment & youth allowance overpayments

Summary

This section contains one short topic on overpayment of JSP resulting from casual employment.

Income from casual employment overpayment

Income paid to JSP recipients from casual employment or self-employment affects the JSP rate payable. If, as a result of casual income, a person received 'NIL' payment for 6 consecutive fortnights, they are NO LONGER considered unemployed from the end of the sixth fortnight and JSP is cancelled.

Casual income must be declared in the fortnight that it is paid. The amount declared must be the gross amount of earnings.

When casual income causes an overpayment of JSP, the calculation is based on income in each fortnight for which JSP was actually paid.

Act reference: SSAct section 1084 Certain money and financial investments not taken into account, section 1223 Debts arising from lack of qualification, overpayment etc.

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.2.1 JSP - qualification & payability

Employment income (1.1.E.102) overpayments

Overpayments that occur due to recipients not advising, or incorrectly advising of employment income, may be reduced if the recipient has working credits to deplete.

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.1.11.30 Working credit depletion, 8.6.4.10 Date of effect of non-automatic adverse determinations

Last reviewed: