Find your support network during unemployment

Finding the support you need

Finding yourself out of work can be challenging, but it can also be an opportunity for new beginnings. Once you know where to turn for support, it can become easier to take positive steps.

Managing your money

Without an income, it might be harder to pay bills and cover the costs of daily living. We’re here to help.

If you’re a NAB customer and struggling to make loan or credit card repayments, we may be able to help. Call 1800 701 599 to discuss how we can help, or find out more about financial hardship assistance.

Applying for unemployment benefits

You might be able to apply for JobSeeker payments, opens in new window from the government after you’ve been unemployed for six weeks. There’s no shame in claiming benefits. It’s a financial assistance tool to help cover your expenses while you’re looking for work – and you’ve paid taxes to earn it.

Getting outstanding employer payments

If you think your employer owes you unpaid wages, unpaid leave, redundancy pay, or payment in lieu of notice, contact  Fair Work, opens in new window. They can help make sure you’re not missing out on any money you may be legally entitled to.

Making insurance claims

You may be able to get a payout from your insurance company. Check your insurance policies to see what’s covered, and if you’re entitled to make a claim. If you’re unemployed because of illness or injury, check your illness and/or injury insurance with your provider to see if you're eligible.

Getting your debt under control

Paying the mortgage or rent and keeping on top of bills can become difficult, but our budgeting and saving tips can help ease the burden. There is also free financial counselling available through the National Debt Helpline, opens in new window.

If you’re struggling to pay bills, you may want to discuss financial hardship assistance with your service providers or lenders. They might be able to give you some flexibility on due dates.

Understand your legal rights

If you think you've been dismissed unfairly, it’s important to know your rights, and how to assert them. Remember, every situation is different.

Unfair dismissal and redundancy

Unfair dismissal, opens in new window claims can be made subject to a number of restrictions - take the Fair Work eligibility quiz, opens in new window to see if you're eligible to apply.

Seek legal advice

Ask your friends and family to recommend a lawyer, or take advantage of free legal advice and services that may be able to assist., opens in new window

Getting a new job

In some cases, your employer may help you find a new job. If not, there are other options available to you.

Searching online

You can also search for jobs, employment services and programs near you through JobSearch, opens in new window, or websites like Seek, opens in new window. There are resources online that can help you prepare an effective resume, opens in new window.

Using an agency

Signing up with a recruitment or employment agency can help you navigate the job search process. The government funded jobactive, opens in new window program connects Australians with jobs and training through a wide selection of smaller agencies.

Career development support

There are also programs available that cater to career development, such as the government’s My Future, opens in new window site. You may also be eligible for government funding and incentives, opens in new window for upskilling.

Mature-age worker employment incentives

Retirement is not the only option for older workers who find themselves out of a job. The government offers incentives of up to $10,000, opens in new window to eligible employers who employ mature-age workers.

Looking after your mental health

Whether you quit voluntarily or were let go, it's important to process what's happened and how you’re feeling.

Reaching out to loved ones

Be open and honest with your loved ones and spend time with your family and friends. Let them support you while you find work.

Taking advantage of your freedom

Being between work could be an opportunity to rediscover the things you love doing - whether that be hitting the gym, volunteering, learning a new language, or simply spending quality time with family and friends.

Dealing with mixed emotions

With a redundancy payout, you might be excited about taking a holiday or paying off your mortgage – you might also feel a little lost.

Losing your job can stir up a range of emotions. Using an app like Headspace, opens in new window or Smiling Mind, opens in new window can really help your mental health.

Making time with your GP

Depression and anxiety may creep in after redundancy or during unemployment. Knowing the warning signs and where to get help can make a big difference.

It’s common to not realise that you're suffering from depression or anxiety. It may not become clear until you see your GP. Once you're diagnosed, your GP can help you navigate the symptoms with a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

You can also reach out to Beyond Blue, opens in new window as a highly renowned source of help. They can explain how much mental health services cost, opens in new window, should you need them.

Help is just a call or click away

Contact Beyond Blue

Call 1300 224 636 for help looking after your mental health, or visit the  Beyond Blue website, opens in new window.

Contact Lifeline Crisis Support

Call 13 11 14 if you’re having trouble coping or chat online at Lifeline, opens in new window.

Contact Financial Counselling Australia

Call 1800 007 007 for free financial counselling or visit the Financial Counselling Australia website, opens in new window.

Contact NAB Assist

Call 1800 701 599 to find out how we can help you or visit NAB Assist.

We're here to help

Not sure what to do next?

• Use the redundancy checklist to know what to do after a payout
• Use the unemployment checklist to know what to do if you've been let go without a payout
• Use the illness or injury checklist to know what to do if an accident has stopped you working.