By The Numbers have put together an information piece and ‘how-to guide’ for applying for Jobseeker or Youth Allowance, in response to the effects that COVID-19 are having on the community.
We will run over what makes an individual eligible to successfully apply for the Jobseeker or Youth Allowance assistance and how to submit your application.
Beginning on April the 27th, eligible individuals who are stood down or sacked permanent employees, sole traders, self-employed or casual workers earning less than $1,075.00 a fortnight due to the effects of the coronavirus; will be able to receive assistance through Jobseeker.
Individuals also caring for those affected by the virus may also be eligible for assistance.
Your Jobseeker or Youth Allowance payment is determined by the amount of income you are currently earning, for example, if you are earning $0.00 a fortnight then you will be entitled to the full available welfare pay; if on the other hand, you are still receiving some income, then the welfare payment will decrease the closer you are to the threshold.
If you are in the position where you only receive a small portion of the Jobseeker or Youth Allowance payments, you will still be entitled to the full payment of $550.00 per fortnight as part of the Coronavirus Supplement. This will effectively double the Jobseeker allowance for the fortnight.
The Federal Government stated that those already receiving welfare benefits (JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY) will automatically receive the Coronavirus Supplement payment for 6 months beginning on the 27th of April.
On Sunday the 29th of March the Government announced there to be further assistance for those who have been laid off due to the effects of COVID-19, resembling something similar to what the UK has introduced – up to 75% of one’s wage subsidized.
What about that $750 Economic Support Payment that was announced with the initial Stimulus Package?
Good news!
This will be automatically be issued to all individuals who are eligible. This includes those of you already receiving Centrelink and those that apply by April 13th.
Do my partner’s earnings affect my eligibility for the welfare assistance?
As it stands, if you’re spouse or partner is currently earning above $48,100 annually you will not be able to receive the Jobseeker payments.
Centrelink has waived all asset testing with the exception of individuals receiving Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit payments. Your application will still undergo income testing and anyone currently receiving income insurance, annual leave or payouts will not be eligible to receive the Jobseeker payments simultaneously.
As a final note, make sure you get your myGov account active as all applications will be conducted through your account.
By The Numbers will continue to update our community on the assistance for individuals currently available as the information becomes accessible to us. Make sure you follow our Instagram and Twitter to keep up to date.
