Centrelink Waiting Period Calculator

Centrelink Waiting Periods After Redundancy: What You Need to Know

Being made redundant is stressful enough without the added complexity of Centrelink waiting periods. Many Australians are surprised to discover they can't immediately access JobSeeker — two separate waiting periods can delay payments by weeks or months.

The Two Key Waiting Periods

1. Income Maintenance Period (IMP)

If you receive leave entitlements, redundancy pay, or payment in lieu of notice, Services Australia converts this into a waiting period. The IMP is calculated by dividing the total payout by your former ordinary weekly earnings. For example, $25,000 severance ÷ $1,635/week (average weekly earnings) = approximately 15 weeks IMP.

2. Liquid Assets Waiting Period (LAWP)

The LAWP applies if your liquid assets (bank accounts, shares, cash) exceed a certain threshold at the time you claim:

If liquid assets are below the low threshold, no LAWP applies. Between low and high threshold: a partial LAWP of up to 13 weeks may apply. Above the high threshold: maximum 13-week waiting period.

What to Do While Waiting

• Apply to Centrelink as soon as possible — the IMP and LAWP start from your separation date, not your application date
• Lodge your claim online via myGov immediately after leaving work — early lodgement protects your start date
• Prepare documents: separation certificate, payslips, bank statements, tax return
• Check if you qualify for the Employment Separation Certificate (your employer must provide this within 14 days)

JobSeeker Rates — 2025–26

Waiting period calculations are estimates based on published Services Australia rules. Individual circumstances vary. Always apply to Centrelink directly via myGov and seek advice from a financial counsellor for complex situations. Financial counselling is free — call 1800 007 007. This is not legal advice.