Rebates and vouchers
Have you checked the Savings Finder? You may be eligible for free apprenticeships and training courses to help you find work or travel to a new job.
Ways to save
Understand how second jobs are taxed. If you take on work outside your usual job, your employer may not know where you sit on the income scale. They may not deduct enough tax from your pay, leaving you with an unwelcome tax bill at the end of the financial year. If you have two or more jobs, ask your employer to deduct more tax each pay period to cover any potential shortfall. Make sure you claim the tax-free threshold from one job only (usually the higher paying one) to avoid a tax bill at the end of the financial year.
Claim your WFH costs. There are two methods for claiming work-from-home costs: the actual cost or the fixed rate. The new fixed-rate method has increased from 52 cents to 67 cents per hour. This rate applies to tax returns from the 2022-2023 income year onwards.
Keep track of your records. Don’t miss out on claiming deductions in your tax return. Use your phone to take photos of any invoices, receipts, logbooks or other work-related expenses during the year. Then upload them to the free ATO app. It makes it much easier log your records in one place.
Finding work
Unemployed, seeking a higher salary or looking for more work to make ends meet? The following resources may help.
Careers NSW provides free access to employment information and guidance for NSW residents at any stage of their career. Talk to a careers practitioner in person or virtually. Speak to an industry expert who is working in an area of interest, learn how to prepare for interviews, get free resume templates, cover letter tips, and more.
Whether you want to apply for work in the public sector or volunteer, find the role you’re looking for on the NSW Government’s jobs site.
Australian Public Service jobs
The Australian Public Service offers generous leave, flexible working conditions and above-average superannuation. Search for full-time, part-time and temporary roles across Australia, or register to receive notifications for jobs that interest you.
Search thousands of jobs in Australia and overseas, read up on strategies to succeed in the office and explore company profiles to find the right workplace for you.
LinkedIn is a networking tool that can help you build your business relationships and connect with industry peers. Make sure you use all 50 ‘skill slots’ to showcase your experience and ensure you catch the eye of recruiters.
TAFE NSW offers personalised support and free counselling about education and careers. They can help you clarify your goals, find a course that meets your needs, identify obstacles you may be facing – and help you to deal with them.
Find study, training or job options that support your career goals. Understand various industries, average salaries and future demand for your areas of interest. The school leavers information kit can help teens plan their next move.
Search and apply for jobs or work experience opportunities on Workforce Australia, a free Australian Government site with thousands of listings. It also has programs and help for veterans, indigenous Australians, young people and those aged over 45.
JobAccess brings together information and resources to help people with a disability, injury or health condition find work. Employers can learn more about funding for workplace modifications and how to create a flexible workplace.
Finding a job can be tough, especially if you’re new to the process. Employment Plus can help Centrelink-registered job seekers find work, write resumes, help with interview techniques and more.
Wise Employment is a not-for-profit employment services provider. They can help if you’re having difficulty finding work due to disability, illness, long-term unemployment or any other reason.
If you’re a mature-age worker, not yet reached the aged pension, on income support or living with a treated illness, injury or disability, CoAct can help you find work.
What's Next? helps you decide what to do if you've been retrenched or are looking for a new career. There’s advice on finding a job, understanding your finances, getting training and looking after yourself.
Thinking of starting your own business? This free program can help you turn your business idea or existing small business into a viable business. Choose the level of support that meets your needs.
More ideas to make money
- Sell clutter for cash. Need to make more coin? Gumtree's second-hand economy research suggests Aussies could make $5800 on average per household from selling pre-loved or unused items. The top items sold on second-hand sites include home décor and furniture.
- Share your space. One of the easiest ways to make extra money each month is by renting out your garage, carport, driveway or backyard as parking space. There are several space-sharing sites in Australia that connect customers with people who have space to rent. It’s a good idea to check if they offer insurance.
- Get paid for your opinions. Online paid surveys can be a great way to make a little extra money each month. Do an online search for 'survey websites in Australia' and remember that legitimate survey sites are always free to join.
Payments you may be eligible for
Whether you’re job hunting, re-entering the workforce, studying or doing an apprenticeship, you may be eligible for support and payments to complete your course or help you get back on your feet.
Unemployed and looking for work, or sick or injured and can’t do your usual work or study for a short time? You may be eligible for financial help from the Australian government if you’re between 22 and age pension age.
Youth allowance for job seekers
The Youth Allowance provides a fortnightly payment if you’re 21 or younger and looking for work, or temporarily unable to work. You need to meet some rules to get the allowance.
Youth allowance for students and Australian apprentices
Completing an apprenticeship or studying full-time in an approved course and aged between 18 and 24 years old? You may be able to claim an allowance to help you complete your studies. Some 16- to 17-year-olds may also be eligible.
The relocation scholarship is a once-a-year payment if you get ABSTUDY or the Youth Allowance. You must also need to move to or from a regional or remote area for higher education study.
You may decide to move house to increase your chance of finding a job. If you’re participating in employment services, you may be able to get help with certain relocation costs.
Early access to superannuation
Your super is for retirement, but you may be able to access it sooner on compassionate grounds such as losing your job. Learn more about the requirements for cashing in your super early.
When businesses go bust
Find tools and resources to help you stay informed or make a claim if a business you work for stops trading or becomes insolvent.
Fair Work – bankruptcy and liquidation
Sometimes businesses shut down because they aren't profitable or run out of money. Find out what you can do if you’re having trouble getting your wages or other entitlements you are owed.
The fair entitlements guarantee is a government-funded safety net that helps workers who lose their job because their employer goes into liquidation or is declared bankrupt. The scheme can pay some of your owed entitlements, such as wages, annual leave and redundancy pay, provided you meet certain conditions.
Tax information for second jobs
If you’re taking up a second job or doing some gig work to cover costs, it’s important to think about your taxes and keep good records so you can claim your expenses.
ATO – Income from more than one job
It’s a common myth that you pay 50% tax on a second job. It's true you'll pay tax up front, but there’s no penalty for having two jobs for low- and middle-income earners. The ATO explains how and when to claim the tax-free threshold.
ATO – The sharing economy and tax
The ATO explains what activities comprise the gig economy, and how to determine their impact on your super and tax.
ATO – tax and super obligations
Learn more about the main tax and super obligations a business has when you're working for them as a contractor.
Know your rights in the gig economy
The on-demand workforce can offer lots of opportunities for anyone needing extra cash. If you pursue this path, it’s worth understanding your workplace rights as an independent contractor.
The Australian Government's business website helps you understand the differences between employees and contractors. It also tells you who to contact if you think your employer is treating you as a contractor instead of an employee.
Contractor rights and protections
It’s common for gig economy platforms to regard their workers as independent contractors, not employees. However, it’s the nature of the relationship that matters, not what they call the arrangement. Learn more contractor rights and protections.
Fair Work – help for independent contractors
The Fair Work Ombudsman can help you understand the different rights and obligations that apply to employees and independent contractors. Find out what to do if you think you've been misclassified.
If you take on gig economy work such as private transport, meal delivery or task-based services, you will most likely need an Australian business number.
If you are providing ridesharing services or have a turnover of more than $75,000 a year, consider whether you need to register for the Goods and Services Tax.
Working for a ride-sourcing or lift-sharing app? The ATO explains the different taxes that will apply to your income.
Small business webinars and workshops
Experienced tax officers run these free, interactive webinars and workshops. They can help you improve your knowledge about starting and running a small business, including ride-sharing services. The webinars are also available in Chinese, Arabic and Vietnamese.
Mental health and other support
The stress of not being able to find work can take a toll on your finances as well as your state of mind. Help and support are available if you need it. For a list of resources available to you, see the NSW Government’s mental health services and support contact list and details of 24/7 crisis lines. If you or someone you are with is in immediate danger, please call 000 (Triple 0).
Relationships Australia – self confidence after job loss
Unemployment is one of the most difficult challenges a person can experience. It has the potential to impact almost every aspect of our lives. Relationships Australia explains how to build up your confidence after losing a job.
Beyond Blue – work and mental health
Mentally healthy work helps you feel more engaged, be more productive and can contribute your sense of purpose. But poor working conditions can harm your mental health and wellbeing. Beyond Blue offers practical tools to improve mental health at work – and explains how to cope if you lose a job.
NSW Police Legacy provides financial help and ongoing support to the families of police officers who have suffered a loss.
Tools and calculators
Use these free tools to work out your taxes and more.
Money Smart – income tax calculator
The Money Smart calculator combines your income from multiple jobs to work out the marginal tax rate you should be paying.
Working under an ABN? Work out the amount of tax you should withhold from your pay.