The Liberals and Nationals Government has confirmed eligible workers in the Commonwealth declared pandemic hotspot of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) can soon apply for the COVID-19 Disaster Payment.
Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said there will be many people eligible if their work or income will be impacted.
“Claims for the COVID-19 Disaster Payment for people in the ACT affected by the lockdown will open on 20 August,” Minister McKenzie said.
“Those eligible will receive $750 per week if they have lost 20 or more hours of work, and $450 per week if they have lost between eight and less than 20 hours of work, or a full day of work.”
People currently receiving an income support payment can also claim an extra payment of $200 if they have lost eight hours or more of work and meet the other eligibility requirements for the COVID-19 Disaster Payment.
Minister for Government Services Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the quickest and easiest way to claim is online through myGov.
“The fastest and easiest way to claim is online via myGov. Canberrans can get ready to claim now by creating a myGov account if they don’t already have one,” Minister Reynolds said.
“There’s no need to contact Services Australia right now. When claims open on 20 August, you’ll be able to claim financial support back to the start of the lockdown.”
Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja said supporting Canberrans that may be impacted by this latest lockdown was a high priority for the Liberals and Nationals Government.
“If we want to beat this outbreak as soon as possible then ACT residents will need to stay home and observe all of the local health advice, which I know will cause disruption to all of our lives,” Senator Seselja said.
“This support provides certainty for Canberrans who can’t work from home, so that they can safely observe the lockdown without worrying about their job or their income during this challenging time.”
More information about the COVID-19 Disaster Payment, and how to claim, is online at: servicesaustralia.gov.au/covid19disasterpayment
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