13 Jul 2021

There it is. THERE IT IS. The news we’ve all been waiting for, as well as absolutely dreading. We’re in it for the long haul - another whole two weeks of lockdown up until July 30 for our Sydneysider pals. Let’s all collectively stay at home in iso, bake more banana bread and have the occasional cry. We’ve got this team.

Anyway, aside from that sad reality, we’ve also been provided with an update for the COVID-19 disaster payments (essentially JobKeeper 2.0), affecting everyone that has been out of work and facing economic hardship. If you're someone that has been avoiding the news at all costs, here's the most updated info on these payments you may be eligible for. As of July 13, 2021:

  • People who lost eight to 20 hours of work are eligible for a $375 weekly payment, up from the previous $325
  • People who lost more than 20 hours of work are eligible for a $600 weekly payment, up from the previous $500

How do I know if I can receive this payment?

According to Services Australia, as long as all the following apply to you, you’re eligible:

  • You can’t attend work
  • You don’t have access to paid leave entitlements through your employer
  • You’re not receiving income support i.e. Abstudy, Youth Allowance, JobSeeker
  • You’re not getting pandemic payments from other states

So, essentially, if you have no stream of income coming in, you’ll be able to receive the payment.

How can I access this payment?

Well, all you have to do is apply through your myGov account that is linked to a Centrelink online account. Answer a handful of questions in regards to being out of work and your claim will be submitted. This’ll be a recurring payment until you’re back to work, meaning you won’t need to reapply for it every week.

While this support package has been implemented in NSW, it will also become available other states or territories that experience a prolonged lockdown.

If you're reading, this thinking "none of this applies to me" but have worked in the music industry over the last three years, you could be eligible for a MusicKeeper or CrewKeeper crisis relief grant through Support Act. We gotta support everyone through this tough time.

How is this payment any different to JobKeeper?

Instead of the government paying employers to keep you staffed and their business afloat, they're now paying it directly to you.

In saying that, small to medium businesses are also eligible for a payment if they’re able to demonstrate a 30 percent decline in turnover.

It’ll only take you a couple of minutes to apply, so if you're eligible, absolutely go for it. In last year's lockdown when I was put out of two casual jobs and JobKeeper took a month to kick in, I was struggling and on my last $5, so it is no doubt a bummer of a time. Have a geeze and we’ll update ya if anything changes!

Feeling down at the moment? Reach out to these guys for a chat. 

Lifeline 13 11 14

Kids Helpline 1800 551 800

MensLine Australia 1300 789 978

Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36

Headspace 1800 650 890