Mutual Obligation is about finding and taking part in an activity that will improve your job prospects and contact with your community. If you are 18 - 49 years old and have been on Newstart or Youth Allowance for six months, you are required to show Centrelink that you are participating in an additional activity, as well as your normal job search activities.

Activities

• Part-time work
• Community work
• Defence Force Reserve
• Green Corps
• Education or training
• Work for the Dole
• Jobs Pathway Program

At your interview you will be asked to sign a Preparing for Work Agreement. This sets out your activity details and you will be issued with a Mutual Obligation Jobseeker Diary to record details of your additional activity and your efforts to find work.

You will receive a letter asking you to return this diary three months after you receive it. This diary is an important document. You must complete and provide it when asked or penalties will apply and your payment may be stopped. Centrelink will look at your diary to determine if you are participating, looking for and applying for jobs.

What's It All About?

Mutual Obligation is about gaining work experience and building confidence. Remember, you will only get out of Mutual Obligation what you put into it. You can help improve your employment prospects by undertaking an activity. You will receive an extra $20.80* a fortnight to help with transport and other costs.

Participants who meet minimum attendance and participation requirements will accrue Training Credit worth up to $800.00 to help meet the cost of accredited training courses.

For more information visit www.centrelink.gov.au

*Correct as at July 2004