Why does Centrelink make me wait after a redundancy payout?

Two rules apply. The Income Maintenance Period treats your redundancy and paid-out leave as income, spread over the number of weeks of pay it represents. The Liquid Assets Waiting Period applies if your readily-available funds are over $5,500 (single, no dependants) or $11,000 (partnered or with dependants). The two run at the same time, so your wait is the longer of the two.

How long is the Liquid Assets Waiting Period?

It is 1 week for every $500 over $5,500 if you are single with no dependants, or 1 week for every $1,000 over $11,000 if you are partnered or have dependants. The maximum is 13 weeks.

Should I wait to claim JobSeeker until my payout runs out?

No. Services Australia backdates the waiting period to when you stopped work, so the clock starts sooner if you claim early. Waiting to lodge does not shorten the wait — it just delays your first payment.

Can the waiting period be waived?

If you are in severe financial hardship — for example you have already spent the funds on reasonable and unavoidable expenses — you can ask Services Australia to waive or shorten the waiting period.

Redundancy Payout: When Does Centrelink Actually Start Paying?

Lost your job? A redundancy payout doesn't mean Centrelink pays you straight away. Estimate the Income Maintenance Period and Liquid Assets Waiting Period so you know roughly when your JobSeeker payments will begin — and plan your money for the gap.

Last verified: 2 August 2026

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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.

Redundancy Payout: When Does Centrelink Actually Start Paying?

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