COVID-19 Federal and State Government Assistance for Individuals
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS
COVID-19 DISASTER RECOVERY PAYMENT – What you need to know!
The COVID-19 Disaster Payment is a Federal Government initiative to assist individuals financially impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns.
If your income has recently been affected by a lockdown, hotspot, or period of restricted movement you may be eligible for financial assistance.
What is it?
The COVID-19 Disaster Payment is a one-off payment to help those financially affected by COVID-19 event lasting longer than 7 days. This might include those in lockdown, those in a hotspot, or those affected by a period of restricted movement.
Click here and then click on your state for more current information regarding dates and areas of hotspots as declared by the Chief Medical Officer.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if you meet the following criteria:
You can’t attend work and lost income on or after day 8 of a COVID-19 restriction of movement event
You don’t have access to appropriate paid leave entitlements through your employer
You are not receiving an income support payment, a state or territory pandemic payment, Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment or state small business payment for the same period
It is important to note:
To be eligible you must satisfy both the General Eligibility Rules and the Eligibility Rules pertaining to your state.
For information on the General Eligibility Rules – Click here
For Information on the New South Wales Eligibility Rules – Click here
For Information on the Victoria Eligibility Rules – Click here
How much can I claim?
If you lost less than 20 hours work, you’ll get $325 for each recognised event (i.e. lockdown, hotspot or period of restricted movement), if you're eligible.
If you lost 20 hours or more of work, you’ll get $500 for each recognised event (i.e. lockdown, hotspot or period of restricted movement), if you're eligible.
It is important to note:
The COVID-19 Disaster Payment is taxable.
Both members of a couple (if eligible) can claim this payment but must make separate claims.
How do I make a claim?
Australian Residents can claim the COVID-19 Disaster Payment online via their myGov Account.
Eligible working visa holders should contact Centerlink directly via phone.
STATE GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS
PANDEMIC LEAVE DISASTER PAYMENTS – What you need to know!
Each state and territory have their own Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment. Below we have provided some general information. For more detailed information relevant to your state or territory, click on the relevant link:
What is it?
The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is a lump sum to assist individuals whose income is affected due to needing to self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone as directed by a health official.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if you meet the following criteria:
You have coronavirus (COVID-19), or you’ve been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19
You care for a child, 16 years or under, who has COVID-19 or who has been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19
You must also meet the following criteria:
You’re at least 17 years old
You’re an Australian Resident or hold a visa that gives you the right to work in Australia
You're unable to go to work and earn an income
You have no appropriate leave entitlements, including pandemic sick leave, personal leave or leave to care for another person
Your period of quarantine is after a certain time (this date will vary depending on the state)
You may be deemed ineligible if during your 14 day isolation period you received:
Any income, earnings or salary from paid work
Any income support payments, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Paid Parental Leave or Dad and Partner Pay
A JobKeeper Payment
A Hardship Payment
How much can I claim?
Eligible individuals will receive $1,500 for each 14-day period they were required to self-isolate
It is important to note:
That the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is taxable
Both members of a couple (if eligible) can claim this payment but must make separate claims
How do I make a claim?
To claim the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment, contact your relevant state government via phone.
All information is correct at time of publication but is subject to change. To stay up to date with the latest information, be sure to visit the relevant State or Federal Government website.
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