Recently the Federal Government together with State governments have announced several assistance packages designed to support workers and businesses in response to the current COVID-19 outbreaks.
For Workers
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment
A payment of $1,500 (for each 14-day period) if you are unable to earn an income because you must self-isolate or quarantine.
Eligibility periods differ between states and territories. For more information and to apply, please visit Services Australia.
Covid-19 Disaster Payment
A worker whose income or hours of work have been impacted by a lockdown may be eligible for a disaster relief payment. Currently workers in Victoria, NSW, SA and Queensland may be eligible for the disaster payment.
Each State currently affected has specific rules for eligibility. The disaster payment varies based on your location and the dates you were unable to work due to a lockdown.
It’s important for workers to apply as soon as they can as claims for each week of lockdown open and close at their own individual times.
NSW – Parts of Sydney payments
| Date Range | Lost < 20 hours work that week | Lost > 20 hour or more that week |
| 8 Jul – 14 Jul | $325 | $500 |
| 15 Jul – 4 Aug | $375 | $600 |
| 5 Aug - 28 Aug | $450 | $750 |
NSW – Greater Sydney payments
| Date Range | Lost < 20 hours work that week | Lost > 20 hour or more that week |
| 11 Jul – 17 Jul | $325 | $500 |
| 18 Jul – 7 Aug | $375 | $600 |
| 8 Aug - 28 Aug | $450 | $750 |
NSW – All other areas of NSW payments
| Date Range | Lost < 20 hours work that week | Lost > 20 hour or more that week |
| 18 Jul – 7 Aug | $375 | $600 |
| 8 Aug - 28 Aug | $450 | $750 |
South Australia
| Date Range | Lost < 20 hours work that week | Lost > 20 hour or more that week |
| 21 Jul – 27 Jul | $375 | $600 |
Victoria
| Date Range | Lost < 20 hours work that week | Lost > 20 hour or more that week |
| 16 Jul – 27 Jul | $375 | $600 |
| 6 Aug - 12 Aug | $450 | $750 |
Queensland
| Date Range | Lost < 20 hours work that week | Lost > 20 hour or more that week |
| 1 Aug – 7 Aug | $450 | $750 |
| 8 Aug – until lockdown ends | $450 | $750 |
To find out all of the information relevant to your State and to apply please visit:
COVID-19 Test Isolation payment
Several States have introduced an isolation payment for workers who were likely to work or rostered to work and did not receive any income due to post-test self-isolation requirement and have no entitlement to relevant leave or have exhausted all leave entitlements. Please visit your relevant State website for more information.
Victoria - Victoria Government
South Australia - Government of South Australia
ACT - ACT Government
What other support is available?
We know this is a very stressful time, if you or someone you know needs help do not hesitate to reach out to Lifeline 131114 or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
For support with any workplace issues, please contact your ASU Branch.
Your union, the ASU has continued to campaign for the government to reinstate JobKeeper and increase the JobSeeker payments.
Until enough Australians are vaccinated and the need for lockdowns ends, we urgently need income support in the form of JobKeeper payments to keep workers financially supported to get through the pandemic and any stand-downs, and keep workers connected to their employer.
We all deserve security and dignity and we will continue to campaign for the right support for all ASU members.
We’re by your side,
The Australian Services Union.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact your union branch for more information.
Disclaimer: This is general guidance only and was correct at the time of writing at 9 August 2021.