New COVID Support from Federal and NSW Government

New COVID Support from Federal and NSW Government

On 13 July 2021, the Federal and NSW Governments announced extra support for NSW residents impacted by the latest Sydney lockdown.  Here is a summary of the support now on offer:

Federal support - Covid-19 Disaster Payment

• a payment of up to $600 per week (up from the previous $500) for individuals impacted by Covid lockdowns.
• The full $600 payment is for workers who have lost more than 20 hours of work per week. 
• A  smaller payment of $375 (up from $325) is available for those who have lost between 8 and 20 hours of work per week. 
• The extra payment becomes available from week 4 of the lockdown. 
• They will be recurring payments so once you successfully apply, you will not have to re-apply each week.  To apply for the payment, contact Services Australia online.

NSW Government support for business

• The NSW Government is supplying financial support to businesses impacted by the lockdown.
• To be eligible for the support, businesses must maintain their current staffing levels and have turnover levels between $75,000 and $50 million.
• If a business's turnover has dropped by 30% compared to an equivalent fortnight in 2019, they will receive between $1,500 and $10,000 per week.  The exact payment will be 40% of the business's payroll payments.
• For sole traders, the payment will be calculated at a flat $1,000 per week.
• Businesses can register via the Service NSW website.

Other government support

• The Federal Government will provide "administrative relief" by reducing the amounts due under payment plans for money owed to them and removing interest charges on late payments.
• The NSW Government also provides Pandemic Leave Disaster Payments for people who have been told they must self-isolate or quarantine for 14 days because of Covid exposure, or who are caring for someone with Covid-19.  The payment is a lump sum of $1,500 for the 14 day period.  This can be claimed by calling Services Australia on 180 22 66.
• Renters will be relieved to know that a tenancy moratorium on evictions is again in place, until 11 September 2021.  Residential landlords who decrease rent for tenants impacted by the lockdown can apply for a grant or land tax reductions from the NSW Government, depending on their circumstances.
• Mental health support is being enhanced by both the Federal and NSW Government in response to the current lockdown.

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