Jobseekers will get a temporary $550 boost to their fortnightly welfare payments for six months in one of the largest boosts to social security benefits in Australia’s history, with the government set to spend $14bn over six months.
The mammoth but “time limited” increase to unemployment benefits far exceeds the most recent call from welfare groups for a permanent, $95- a-week boost to the dole, worth $4bn a year.
The government will also be providing a two stage, $750 per payment, supplement to pensioners, social security, veteran’s and others on income support or those eligible with a health care card. It will be a tax free payment and will not count as income. Payments will be beginning on the 31st of March with 90% expected to be paid by mid April. The second $750 payment will begin in April. This will be done from the tax department and will not affect any other government payments.
$1 billion has been allotted to regions that have been especially impacted such as those reliant on tourism or education.
HERE IS A BREAKDOWN LIST OF WHO GETS WHAT IN THE LATEST CHANGES:
THIS RESPONSE FROM THE AUWU IS A GOOD SUMMARY OF THE CURRENT SITUATION FOR THE UNEMPLOYED
RELEVANT WEBLINKS:
For those affected by the Coronavirus https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/affected-coronavirus-covid-19/job-seekers-coronavirus-covid-19
For those retrenched or unemployed due to business closures https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/retrenched-or-made-redundant
Find out about your mutual obligations if you’re a job seeker affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
