Louise Upston: Social Development Minister talks new parental assistance test and new incentive to stay in work

2025-10-05

Thousands of teenagers could have their Jobseeker benefit cut next year, as the Government restricts payments. Eighteen and 19-year-olds without children must pass a Parental Assistance Test to qualify from November 2026. The threshold will be set at just over $65,000. Social Development Minister Louise Upston told Tim Beveridge it's the same as the Supported Living Payment, and similar to the Student Allowance test. She says those on very low incomes below that would not be able to support these teenagers....

Thousands of teenagers could have their Jobseeker benefit cut next year, as the Government restricts payments.

Eighteen and 19-year-olds without children must pass a Parental Assistance Test to qualify from November 2026.

The threshold will be set at just over $65,000.

Social Development Minister Louise Upston told Tim Beveridge it's the same as the Supported Living Payment, and similar to the Student Allowance test.

She says those on very low incomes below that would not be able to support these teenagers.

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