As Australia continues to deal with a resurgence of COVID-19 cases across the country, Government has announced an increase in the COVID-19 Disaster Payments for those affected by Commonwealth-declared COVID-19 hotspots. For those outside the declared hotspots, who may still be affected by lockdown restrictions, states and territories are also providing financial assistance. Here’s a brief synopsis of the support you may be entitled to.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the COVID-19 Disaster Payment, you must meet all eligibility criteria. You can only get the COVID-19 Disaster Payment or a state or territory business support payment per relevant period, not both, so you need to decide which payment is best for you.

Queensland

How much you get is dependent on:

• Location of health order (effected LGAs)
• The period you are claiming for
• The hours of work you have lost

Eligibility guidelines

New South Wales

How much you get is dependent on:

• Where you live – either Part of Sydney OR Greater Sydney OR All other areas of NSW. Recognised NSW Locations.
• The period you are claiming for
• The hours of work you have lost

Eligibility Guidelines

South Australia

How much you get is dependent on:

• Location of health order (effected LGAs)
• The period you are claiming for
• The hours of work you have lost

Eligibility Guidelines

Victoria

How much you get is dependent on:

• Location of health order (effected LGAs)
• The period you are claiming for
• The hours of work you have lost

Eligibility Guidelines

Updated on 20 August 2021:

The Victoria and Commonwealth governments have announced a new round of support for small-to-medium enterprises (SME) most affected by the extension of public health restrictions in Melbourne.

The payments will be accessible to eligible workers across the state who lose hours of work due to the lockdown, as well as individuals who are sole trader business owners who lose work and do not qualify for Victorian government support programs.

The payment is set at $450 for people who have lost from eight to 20 hours’ work or a full day of work (over seven days), and $750 for 20 hours or more of work lost.

Use this guide to see what financial assistance you may be eligible for depending on your situation and location.

In these uncertain and unsettling times, it’s good to know there is help available. We encourage you to reach out, contact your mortgage broker to discuss your options for financial assistance.

While all care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, no warranty is given as to the accuracy of the information and no responsibility is taken by Finservice Pty Ltd (Mortgage Express) for any errors or omissions. This publication does not constitute personalised financial advice. It may not be relevant to individual circumstances. Nothing in this publication is, or should be taken as, an offer, invitation, or recommendation to buy, sell, or retain any investment in or make any deposit with any person. You should seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters dealt within this publication. A Disclosure Statement is available on request and free of charge.

Finservice Pty Ltd (Mortgage Express) is authorised as a corporate credit representative (Corporate Credit Representative Number 397386) to engage in credit activities on behalf of BLSSA Pty Ltd (Australian Credit Licence number 391237) ACN 123 600 000 | Full member of MFAA | Member of Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) | Member of Choice Aggregation Services.