Changes have been made by the Australian Government, to the pandemic relief payment in order to reflect changing testing, isolation and close contact regulations across the country.
The changes will allow employees who do not have access to paid sick leave, to take time off work because they, or someone they are caring for, has to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19.
Employees who test positive to COVID-19 via Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) may now be eligible for this support.
The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment will be scaled, based on the number of hours of work the individual has lost or expects to lose during an isolation period of up to seven days.
- Individuals who have lost or expect to lose 20 hours or more will continue to be entitled to $750
- Individuals who have lost or expect to lose at least a day of work or up to 19 hours will be entitled to $450
A financial hardship test will also be introduced rendering individuals who have available funds of $10,000 or more ineligible, this is to ensure the taxpayer funded payments are targeted to those who need them most.
MORE INFORMATION REGARDING PANDEMIC LEAVE DISASTER PAYMENT & ELIGIBILITY
