The Government has extended emergency government support including JobKeeper and JobSeeker until March 2021 but the payments are changing.
Skip to: JobKeeper | JobSeeker | Mutual Obligations | More info
The Government has extended the JobKeeper Payment by a further six months to March 2021. Support will be targeted to businesses and not-for-profits that continue to be significantly impacted by the Coronavirus. The payment rate will be reduced and a lower payment rate will be introduced for those who work fewer hours.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said:
'the extra assistance would continue supporting hundreds of thousands of Australians who are without work, and offer businesses and their workers a lifeline to not only get through this crisis but recover on the other side.'
Both the JobKeeper and JobSeeker supplement have been extended. They are at lower rates than when they were first introduced.
Read more: What you need to know about Centrelink and COVID-19
JobKeeper
The JobKeeper Payment will go until the end of March 2021. It will be at reduced rates.
JobKeeper from October to December 2020 will be per fortnight:
- $1200 for people working twenty hours or more a week.
- $750 for those working less than 20 hours a week.
JobKeeper from January to March 2021 will be per fortnight:
- $1000 for people working twenty hours or more a week.
- $650 for tier 2 for those working less than 20 hours a week.
Easy English
Download: New Information about Job Keeper - Access Easy EnglishJobSeeker
The JobSeeker Payment replaced the Newstart Allowance when it stopped in March 2020.
The additional Coronavirus Supplement has fallen $300 from $550 per fortnight to $250. From 1 Jan 2021, it will reduce to $150 per fortnight and will continue through to 31 March 2021. This was announced in November.
Easy English
Mutual Obligations
From 28 September 2020, mutual obligation requirements are compulsory.
This means if you’re a job seeker you must:
- do all the tasks and activities listed in your Job Plan
- go to appointments with your employment services provider
- complete and report your job searches
- accept any offer of suitable paid work.
If you don’t meet your mutual obligation requirements, suspensions, demerits or financial penalties may apply.
For more information, look at Mutual Obligations explained.
More Information
Economic Response to the Coronavirus - The TreasuryHow changes to JobKeeper may affect you - Services Australiaif you need to speak to someone about what this all means for you, yan call us on the COVID-19 Disability Information Helpline.
Free Call: 1800 643 787
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