Jobseeker Support provides financial assistance to unemployed jobseekers to secure ongoing employment and supports individuals where there is an economic barrier to gaining or retaining employment.
| Program key details | |
|---|---|
| Eligible jobseekers | Queensland residents who have been unemployed for a minimum of 8 weeks. Queenslanders must also:
|
| Status | Applications are open until 30 June 2027, or until funds are exhausted. Eligibility conditions apply. |
| Available payment | All requests for funding will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to meet individual needs. |
| Key documents | |
How payments are made
Payments will be made directly to the provider for the services or items you want to buy. You'll need to submit quotes/invoices with your application.
All invoices and quotes that you submit must be current and:
- made out to the applicant who is seeking support
- tailored to the individual needs of the applicant (general packages of support will not be accepted) and the services/goods should be itemised individually.
Quotes for generic or standard packages of work will be automatically declined.
Eligibility for Jobseeker Support
To be eligible for Jobseeker Support, Queenslanders must:
- be unemployed for at least 8 weeks
- be 15 years or older
- be either:
- an Australian citizen
- an Australian permanent resident (includes humanitarian entrant)
- a temporary resident with the necessary visa and work permits on the pathway to permanent residency
- a New Zealand citizen.
- not be receiving Australian Government income assistance
- not be a full-time student and must not have been a full-time student within the 8 weeks before submitting an application for Jobseeker Support.
Applicants are not eligible if they:
- are currently participating in a Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) project and are already receiving these services through their SQW provider
- are recipients of the Women’s Career Grants
- were studying full-time within 8 weeks directly before submitting their application
- receive Australian Government income assistance and who can access similar support through their engagement with Workforce Australia.
- have received a grant from this program previously
- provided false or misleading information when applying to this or another grant program managed by the Queensland Government.
What funding can and can't be used for
Eligible services/items
Eligible services/items may include:
- driving lessons (Up to a maximum of 10 lessons. More eligibility requirements apply.)
- driving tests (additional eligibility requirements apply)
- White Card, Blue Card, Yellow Card fees, etc.
- machinery tickets or other licences
- funding to purchase identification (birth certificate/driver licence/18+ card)
- uniforms and appropriate tools and equipment relevant to your chosen career path (up to $1,000).
Ineligible services/items
You may not seek funding for:
- goods and services bought before your application was approved
- vocational qualifications within the Australian Qualifications Framework (e.g. Certificates I - IV courses)
- buying assets or capital equipment (e.g. laptops, tablet computers and mobile phones)
- passport fees
- general pre-employment programs that do not lead to a specific career pathway or employment outcome
- transport and vehicle expenses
- goods and services that work towards self-employment
- ongoing or recurring expenses
- loan repayments
- existing tuition fees
- food or grocery items
- any fines or infringements including, but not limited, to SPER debt.
- contributions towards wages for any future job the applicant may be appointed to
- services delivered through other Queensland or Australian Government initiatives or programs that provide financial assistance towards an employment outcome.
- any other cost the department considers to ineligible.
Application process
Applications must be submitted online by completing the application form linked below. Only one application per jobseeker will be accepted.
The jobseeker must answer the questions in the application truthfully. Applications found to include false or misleading information will not be approved and may be referred to the relevant law enforcement agency. Any information provided in your application form may also be used to verify eligibility, including employment status.
Applicants will need to supply important information, including:
- contact information
- details of the financial support you are requesting
- evidence of how this support will result in an employment opportunity (e.g. employment contract, letter of offer or request from potential employer)
- a minimum of one itemised quote for services or items to be purchased.
It is important you note that you can only apply for Jobseeker Support once, however your application can include multiple goods and services up to a maximum value of $3,000. Please consider all of the supports you require before submitting your application.
Supporting documents
All scanned documents must be valid, current and legible and in a standard format (e.g. PDF, JPEG or Word).
Documents requiring clarification or resubmission may result in delays to the application process.
Evidence of identity and proof of address
You will need to provide evidence of your identity and proof of address. This identification must:
- match the name and details of the person named on the application
- and
- be uploaded as an attachment with your application.
You can use any of the following documents as evidence of your identity and proof of address:
- passport
- drivers licence
- photo issued government ID
- birth certificate
- utility bill
- rates notice
- lease agreement
- bank statement.
If you are under 18 years old, you will also need to submit a parental or guardian consent form.
Note: Jobseeker Support is not an emergency fund, so you will need to be mindful of application timeframes.
The Jobseeker Support program does not apply for licences, tickets, etc. on your behalf. If your application is approved, you will be advised how to submit your applications separately.
Also consider...
- Search short micro-credential courses to support you to gain employment.
- Learn about Skilling Queenslanders for Work projects to help you gain skills, qualifications and experience needed to enter and stay in the workforce.
- Find out about support through Workforce Australia to get work items like police and other workplace checks, licences and training.
Last updated 3 August 2026
