As rent and grocery prices continue to soar across the Illawarra, questions are growing around whether Australia’s JobSeeker payment is enough to cover basic living costs.
The current maximum JobSeeker payment for a single person without children is approximately $808 per fortnight, according to Services Australia.
Meanwhile, median rental prices in Wollongong continue to rise, placing increasing pressure on low-income households.
The median rental price in Wollongong sits at around $750 per week, or approximately $1500 per fortnight.
Data comparing average rental prices with fortnightly JobSeeker payments highlights the growing gap between welfare support and housing affordability in regional cities, such as Wollongong.
The figures suggest that rent alone can exceed the entire JobSeeker payment, before additional costs such as groceries, fuel and utilities are considered.
Welfare organisations including ACOSS have raised concerns about the growing gap between income support payments and the cost of living, particularly as housing affordability continues to decline across Australia.
As of 2026 only 23 per cent of Australians claim they could comfortably live on the payment .
Former JobSeeker and Youth Allowance recipient, Kai Woolmer, 20, claimed the payment often failed to stretch far enough to cover everyday costs.
“Fuel, food and rent are easily the most challenging expenses to navigate,” he said.
“The additional support from JobSeeker payments do make some difference, but in my opinion they aren’t keeping up with the current cost of living.”
Mr Woolmer said that fuel, food and rent on their own are relatively easy to navigate however combined it is difficult to keep up with.
“While being on jobseeker and youth allowance programs , the cost still amounts and forces you to think critically about every possible transaction,” Mr Woolmer said.
“In my opinion they aren’t keeping up with the current cost of living. It’s often that prices for food and fuel will fluctuate but this should also be reflected in job seeker payments
Anglicare Australia Director, Kasey Chambers said rising living costs are placing increasing pressure on low-income Australians, with many struggling to afford everyday essentials.
“People are skipping meals, delaying medical appointments and going without essentials just to survive,” she said.
According to Anglicare, housing costs have increased by 22 per cent, while food and groceries and electricity have both risen by 17 per cent.
Transport costs have also increased by 11 per cent, adding further pressure to households already struggling with affordability.
As living expenses continue to increase, debate surrounding the adequacy of Australia’s welfare system is likely to remain a key issue for policymakers and communities alike.
