Increased support for workers who lose their jobs or are stood down, on low incomes, or in casual and contract employment.
On the 22 March the Federal Government announced that there will be additional income support available for workers who lose their job, are stood down, on low incomes or are in casual and contract employment and meet the income test as a result of the economic downturn due to the Coronavirus.
What does this mean?
This means workers who meet the criteria will be able to access the JobSeeker payment immediately ($550 per fortnight) as well as the phased in Coronavirus Supplement ($550 per fortnight) from April 27 2020.
What is the ‘Coronavirus Supplement?
The Government is temporarily expanding eligibility to income support payments and establishing a new, time-limited ‘Coronavirus Supplement’ to be paid on top of the existing JobSeeker payment.
The Coronavirus Supplement will apply from the 27 April 2020 for at least six months.
How much will I get?
The changes mean if you are eligible for the JobSeeker Payment (depending on your family circumstances) with the Coronavirus Supplement you will receive at least $1100 a fortnight. This is approximately 75% of the minimum wage.
Who can access the Job Seeker Payment?
The JobSeeker Payment criteria have been expanded and will provide payment access for people who meet the income test and are:
- Permanent employees who are stood down or lose their employment;
- Casual workers;
- Contract workers;
- Sole traders; or
- Self-employed.
This could also include a person required to care for someone who is affected by the Coronavirus.
The Coronavirus Supplement will also be paid to all existing and new recipients of the Youth Allowance jobseeker, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit.
How will it all work?
Before April 27
- People who are unemployed, have been stood down or have seen their income drop below the threshold of $1086.50 a fortnight can access the normal JobSeeker payment of $565.70 a fortnight (dependent on income and family circumstances) without the usual waiting period of one week.
- In addition to the JobSeeker payment you will receive a lump sum stimulus payment of $750 which will be delivered from 31 March (through to the 13 April as people sign on)
- If you apply for the Job Seeker payment between April 14 and April 27 all of the above applies but you will not receive the first $750 payment
After April 27
- In addition to the Job Seeker payment all eligible workers will receive the Coronavirus Supplement - an additional $550 per fortnight for 6 months
- Please be advised: The government announced a second stimulus payment of $750 to be paid in June. This will only apply to people who receive government benefits excluding the Coronavirus supplement.
Services Australia has made several changes in regards to waiting periods, the income and asset tests (including liquid assets) and also mutual obligation requirements. Please visit Services Australia to access the most up to date information regarding these changes.
What we don’t know and are trying to find out:
Right now we don’t know the impact accumulated annual or long service leave will have on eligibility for the payment.
The questions is whether members must access all annual and long service leave entitlements before being eligible for the payment or whether accumulated leave entitlements have no impact on workers eligibility.
* we are aware that some members are being stood down and are not being given access to their accrued entitlements whereas others are, and we are trying to get answers for all scenarios.
We expect an answer to this question to be included in the federal government regulations which we hope will be released shortly.
As soon as we know the answer we will advise members immediately.
Annual Leave
The rules state that workers should have exhausted any leave they have access to prior to accessing income support.
If your employer cannot or will not pay you your leave, you can declare that you don't have access to it and claim support.
How do I apply for the JobSeeker Payment and Coronavirus supplement?
You can apply for these payments either online (via myGov), over the phone or in person through Services Australia (Centrelink). For more information go to:https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/affected-coronavirus-covid-19.
Disclaimer This is general guidance only and was correct at the time of writing 11:00 09/04/2020. Check government sources for more details.