We will work with you to place you in a suitable Work for the Dole activity and make sure you have completed any training or required activities before you start.
You’ll continue to receive income support and assistance from Workways during Work for the Dole. Plus, you will receive an allowance per fortnight to assist with expenses such as transport.
New skills and experiences for the workplace
By participating in Work for the Dole, you will undertake work-like activities and gain work experience that can help you find a job. This will give you the chance to:
- build the skills that employers want – like teamwork, communication and reliability
- increase your confidence and show that you are ready to start working
- meet new people and make contacts who can be a referee for you when you apply for a job
- get involved in your local community.
A range of worthwhile activities
There are many different activities that you may be able to do through Work for the Dole. Each will help you develop the skills that show you are ready to start work. Some examples of what you might do include:
- Gardening and maintenance works
- Conservation or environmental activities
- Retail work
- Hospitality services
- Office administration
- Warehouse duties
- Light Construction
- Sewing/Textiles and Design
Becoming a Work for the Dole Host Organisation
Work for the Dole activities can only be hosted by not-for-profit organisations and local, state, territory and Australian government agencies. Host organisations provide work experience activities for participants in a supervised and safe work environment.
To apply to become a host organisation, visit the official Work for the Dole website or contact Workways on 1800 631 196.
Am I Eligible?
If you are in jobactive and have an Annual Activity Requirement, you will need to participate in an approved activity or a combination of activities for six months. One of the approved activities you can do to meet this requirement is Work for the Dole. There are different hourly requirements for participation in approved activities based on your age.
If you are aged:
- 18–49 years, you are required to do 50 hours per fortnight in an approved activity, such as Work for the Dole
- 50-59 years, you are required to complete 30 hours per fortnight of an approved activity, which can include volunteering for Work for the Dole
- 60 years to Age Pension, you are required to complete 10 hours per fortnight of an approved activity, which can include volunteering for Work for the Dole.
Job seekers who have a partial capacity to work (15-29 hours) or who are principal carer parents have different requirements for the following age groups:
- aged under 30 – 30 hours per fortnight of Work for the Dole and/or another approved activity
- aged 30 to 59 – 15-16 hours per fortnight of Work for the Dole and/or another approved activity
- aged 60 and over – no requirement.