Workforce Australia: what it is, who qualifies, and how to use it.
A plain-English guide to Workforce Australia for job seekers. What services you get, how to register, and what to expect.
What it is.
Workforce Australia is the Australian Government's employment services system. It replaced jobactive in July 2022. If you are looking for work and receiving (or applying for) an income support payment, you will be connected to Workforce Australia. The system matches you with a provider who helps with job search, resume writing, interview prep, and training referrals. There are three service levels: digital (self-service online), enhanced (phone and online support), and provider-managed (face-to-face with a dedicated consultant). Your service level depends on how long you have been looking for work and any barriers you face.
Source: workforceaustralia.gov.au.
Who qualifies.
You qualify if you are an Australian resident aged 22 to Age Pension age (or 15 to 21 if not in full-time education) and are receiving or claiming JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance (job seeker), Parenting Payment, Disability Support Pension (with participation requirements), or Special Benefit. You can also register voluntarily if you are not on a payment but want access to the online job search tools and training referrals. Registration is free.
Source: servicesaustralia.gov.au.
How to apply.
Apply for your income support payment through myGov (my.gov.au) or by calling Services Australia on 132 850. Once your claim is processed, you will be connected to Workforce Australia automatically. If you want to register without a payment, go to workforceaustralia.gov.au and create an account. You will complete an online assessment that determines your service level. If you are assigned a provider, they will contact you to set up your first appointment.
Limits and gotchas.
Workforce Australia requires you to meet mutual obligations. That means you must actively look for work, attend appointments, and complete activities your provider sets. If you do not meet these obligations, your payment can be suspended. The system tracks your compliance through a points-based framework. If you disagree with a decision, you can request a review through the provider or escalate to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
The digital service is self-directed and works well for people who are confident job seekers. If you need more support, ask your provider to reassess your service level.
Where this fits in your plan.
Workforce Australia is a safety net, not a career strategy. It gives you access to job listings, training subsidies, and a provider who can help with resumes and interview prep. But the support is general, not tailored to your specific transition. If you are moving from customer service or admin into a target pathway (customer success, claims, NDIS coordination, health admin, or operations), the Sprint shows which roles in that pathway you are already close to and writes your applications, with a coach reviewing your resume. Start with the free Career Change Check at /assessment to see where you stand.
Ready to plan your next move? Find roles people from your job moved into to see which roles match your background.
Common questions
Take the free Career Change Check. Three minutes.
The Career Change Check is free and takes three minutes. It shows Australian roles people from your kind of work have moved into, and the skills you already have for each. You put in your email at the end, and we email you the link when your result is ready.
Start the free check