Pandemic financial support: January 2021 update

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to play a role in the daily lives of Australians, the Commonwealth and the states and territories have responded with a range of payments and support to help reduce the financial and emotional stress on individuals affected by COVID-19.                                                                       

Below is a round-up of the measures available as at 6 January 2021. (Note, some measures have expired but are listed on pages where other measures are still available. Be sure to check the dates and any eligibility criteria before applying for payments or support.) 

COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT MEASURES

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment
This support payment is available if you can’t work because you need to self-isolate, quarantine or care for somebody else. Eligible recipients will receive $1,500 for each 14-day period. The eligibility requirements may differ depending on your state or territory. The payment counts as taxable income that will need to be included on your tax return.  

Economic Support Payment
If you receive an eligible Centrelink payment or hold a concession card, you may receive two extra payments of $250 as part of the COVID-19 stimulus. The first payment was due in December 2020, with the second payment due in March 2021. You won’t receive this payment if you already receive the coronavirus supplement. 

JobSeeker Payment and coronavirus supplement
Extended until 31 March 2021, the JobSeeker payment includes a base payment rate plus the coronavirus supplement, totalling $715 per fortnight. The coronavirus supplement was reduced to $150 per fortnight on 1 January 2021.  

Emergency assistance and support
Details of helplines for over-the-phone support and information during the coronavirus pandemic, including for financial, mental health and safety and businesses. 

NSW GOVERNMENT MEASURES 

Cost of living savings
Use the Savings Finder to browse the NSW Government rebates and savings that could help ease the cost of living. 

Residential tenancy moratorium on evictions
Extended until 26 March 2021, this measure restricts when landlords can evict tenants who are behind on their rent due to the impacts of COVID-19.  

VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT MEASURES 

Financial support for businesses and workers
A hub of ways the Victorian Government can help individuals, employees, sole traders, freelancers and business owners (with employees) who have been financially affected by the pandemic – for example, if you’re unable to work due to restrictions or testing or have permanently lost your job or retired.  

$450 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Isolation Payment
Eligible Victorian workers can apply for a $450 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Isolation Payment that provides financial support while they self-isolate to wait for the results of a coronavirus (COVID-19) test.

Rent Relief Grant
Rental assistance of up to $3,000 (increased from $2,000) for eligible Victorian tenants experiencing financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus crisis to help them stay in safe, secure and stable accommodation. The grant has been extended until 28 March 2021.

There are no citizenship or permanent residency requirements for applicants. Applicants that may be eligible include casual workers on holiday and working visas, skilled visas, seasonal workers, New Zealand citizens and all refugee and temporary protection visa holders. 

Mental health resources
Information, advice, helpline details and tools to help people manage their mental health during the pandemic situation.

Wellbeing and Mental Health Support for Victorian Small Businesses
Business Victoria is offering mental health support to those dealing with the challenges of running a small business during COVID-19. A “Partners in Wellbeing” helpline offers free and confidential access to experienced counsellors.

Emergency relief packages
An emergency relief package contains essential food and personal care items that are available to vulnerable Victorians who are needing to quarantine or isolate due to coronavirus (COVID-19). 

QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT MEASURES 

Financial support for individuals
A round-up of support payments for individuals, households and businesses. Includes links to a rescue package, as well as Government Grant and Business Assistance Finders.  

TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT MEASURES 

Stimulus and Support
A summary of the support initiatives available to Tasmanians, including a Pandemic Isolation Assistance Grant of up to $1,000 and a supply register to help businesses sourcing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT MEASURES 

Trusted COVID-19 information for South Australians
A one-stop hub of essential information, including $300 Cluster Isolation Payments for eligible workers and a second round of $500 grant payments for international students. 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA GOVERNMENT MEASURES  

COVID-19 coronavirus: WA Government response
Economic recovery support ranging from opportunities for jobseekers, support for the vulnerable and homeless, and an extended moratorium on rental increases until 28 March 2021.  

ACT MEASURES 

Access help 
Details of hardship payments, food relief, domestic and family violence support, mental health and wellbeing and more. 

NORTHERN TERRITORY MEASURES 

Wellbeing support
A landing page focusing on wellbeing services and support measures, which includes links to emergency relief payments and crisis accommodation. 

WE’RE HERE TO HELP 

First Super is here to support affected members through the ongoing pandemic. Contact our Member Services Team on 1300 360 988 or by email for assistance.