Increased Income Support

The Federal Government recently announced Income support payments and establishing a new, time limited Coronavirus Supplement to be paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight

This Coronavirus Supplement will be paid to both existing and new recipients of the eligible payment categories. These changes will apply for the next six months and will not be income tested.

Payment categories

The income support payment categories eligible to receive the Coronavirus Supplement are:

  • Jobseeker Payment (those currently receiving Partner Allowance, Widow Allowance, Sickness Allowance and Wife Pension)
  • Youth Allowance Jobseeker
  • Parenting Payment (Partnered and Single)
  • Farm Household Allowance
  • Special Benefit recipients

Anyone who is eligible for the Coronavirus Supplement will receive the full rate of the supplement of $550 per fortnight.

Expanded access

For the period of the Coronavirus Supplement, there will be expanded access to the income support payments. Expanded access include:

  • Jobseeker Payment and Youth Allowance Jobseeker criteria will provide payment access for permanent employees who are stood down or lose their employment.
  • The expanded eligibility applies to:
    • sole traders
    • the self‑employed
    • casual workers
    • contract workers who meet the income tests as a result of the economic downturn due to the coronavirus. Also includes a person required to care for someone who is affected by the coronavirus.

We can help you better understand this legislation, and answer questions . Get in touch now and one of our friendly team members can share free, initial advice with you.

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