Temporary COVID Disaster Payment announced
The Government has announced a temporary COVID Disaster Payment to assist workers who reside or work in a "Commonwealth declared hotspot", who are unable to attend work and earn an income as a result of state imposed health restrictions that last for greater than one week.
Available for Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible working visa holders, recipients will receive up to $500 per week for losing 20 hours or more of work, and $325 per week for losing under 20 hours.
The media release states that the payment is available:
to workers who have liquid assets of no more than $10,000;
to workers who have exhausted any leave entitlements (other than annual leave) or other special pandemic leave;
in respect of the second and any subsequent weeks of restrictions; and
to workers who are not already receiving income support payments, business support payments, or the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.
Access to the payment will be available through Services Australia from 8 June 2021.
Let’s Talk
Should you have any queries in relation to eligibility for the COVID Disaster Payment, please contact us on + 61 3 9527 5041.