JobSeeker Points System Explained: Monthly Targets and Activities That Count
How the Points Based Activation System works for JobSeeker — your 100-point monthly target, what activities earn points, and how to meet your obligations.
How the Points Based Activation System Works
The Points Based Activation System (PBAS) replaced the old requirement of applying for a set number of jobs per month. Under PBAS, you need to earn 100 points per month through a combination of approved activities. The system is designed to give you flexibility in how you meet your obligations — you can focus on the activities most relevant to finding work. Your Workforce Australia provider sets up your Job Plan with mandatory and voluntary activities. Mandatory activities must be completed (such as attending appointments), while voluntary activities let you choose how to earn the remaining points. Your monthly points period runs from your agreement start date, not the calendar month. Points do not carry over — if you earn 150 points one month, the extra 50 do not count toward the next month. You can track your points in real time through your Workforce Australia online account.
Points Values for Each Activity
Job search activities earn the following points: applying for a job earns 5 points each; attending a job interview earns 10 points; attending a career-related event or job fair earns 10 points. Employment activities: each hour of paid work (part-time, casual, or full-time) earns 5 points; self-employment hours earn 5 points per hour. Education and training: each hour of approved training or study earns 5 points. Volunteering: each hour of approved voluntary work earns 5 points. Other activities: attending a provider appointment earns 10 points; completing online learning modules through Workforce Australia earns 2 to 5 points each; undertaking a work experience placement earns 5 points per hour. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs earn 5 points per hour. For someone working 15 hours per fortnight (roughly 30 hours per month), that alone earns 150 points — well above the 100-point target.
What Happens If You Do Not Reach 100 Points
If you do not reach your 100-point target without a valid reason, you face the Targeted Compliance Framework penalties. The first failure results in a demerit point and a warning — you keep your payment. Accumulating 3 demerit points in 6 months triggers a Capability Interview with your provider, who assesses whether your obligations are appropriate. If you accumulate 5 demerit points, you enter the penalty zone. In the penalty zone, each subsequent failure results in a payment reduction: first penalty is 50% of your fortnightly payment for one reporting period, second penalty is 100% (no payment for one fortnight), and third penalty is a full 4-week payment cancellation. Valid reasons for not meeting your target include illness (with medical certificate), caring for a sick child, attending a funeral, jury duty, or a natural disaster affecting your area. Always contact your provider or call Centrelink before your points deadline if you cannot meet the target.
Reduced Requirements and Exemptions
Not everyone has a 100-point target. Several groups have reduced requirements. Principal carers (single parents with a child under 16) have a reduced requirement of 15 hours per week of approved activities — no specific points target. People assessed with a Partial Capacity to Work of 15 to 22 hours per week have a reduced target of around 40 to 60 points per month. Those with a Partial Capacity to Work of 0 to 14 hours have no mandatory requirements but may volunteer for activities. People aged 55 and over can meet all their obligations through 30 hours per fortnight of paid or voluntary work. Temporary exemptions from all requirements can be granted for serious illness (up to 13 weeks with medical certificate), bereavement (up to 14 weeks), major personal crisis, late-stage pregnancy (from 6 weeks before the due date), and domestic violence situations.
Working for the Dole and Other Compulsory Activities
After 6 months on JobSeeker (or from day one for some participants under the Annual Activity Requirement), you may be required to undertake Work for the Dole or another compulsory activity for 15 hours per week over a 6-month period. Work for the Dole placements are with community organisations and involve activities like environmental conservation, community gardening, charity shop work, or administrative support. Each hour earns 5 points, so 15 hours per week easily meets the 100-point monthly target. Alternatives to Work for the Dole include part-time employment of 15+ hours per week, accredited education or training of 15+ hours per week, or a combination of activities totalling 15 hours per week. If no suitable Work for the Dole placement is available in your area, your provider must arrange an alternative. You can express preferences for placement type and location, though placement is not guaranteed.
Tips for Meeting Your Obligations Efficiently
The most efficient way to meet your 100-point target depends on your circumstances. If you are actively job searching, 20 job applications per month equals 100 points exactly (20 times 5 points). If you can find part-time or casual work, even 5 hours per week (20 hours per month) earns 100 points while also increasing your income. Volunteering at a local charity shop for 4 to 5 hours per week meets the target while building your resume. Enrolling in a free TAFE course counts as study activity — attending classes for 5 hours per week earns 100 points monthly and gives you a qualification. Combining activities works well: 10 job applications (50 points) plus 10 hours of volunteering (50 points) equals 100 points. Keep records of all activities — screenshots of job applications, volunteer sign-in sheets, and payslips — in case of any disputes. Use the Workforce Australia app to log activities in real time.
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General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with Services Australia.
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