The Australian Government is extending the Coronavirus supplement for those on an eligible income support payment to 31 December 2020.
From late September, there’ll be changes to the amount of supplement we pay you as well as to the eligibility of some income support payments.
Changes to the Coronavirus Supplement amount
The Coronavirus Supplement of $550 per fortnight is available until 24 September 2020.
Beyond this date, the Coronavirus Supplement will be available at $250 per fortnight until 31 December 2020.
Changes to eligibility for some income support payments after 25 September 2020
Income test changes
The income free area for JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance for job seekers will increase. This means you can earn more but still get the maximum payment rates.
The income free area for these payments will increase to $300 per fortnight. The income free area is currently $106 for JobSeeker Payment and $143 for Youth Allowance.
If you earn above $300 per fortnight, your payment reduces by 60 cents for each dollar over this amount.
The Coronavirus Supplement isn’t counted as income.
There are no changes to the income free area and income test if you get Jobseeker Payment as a principal carer.
Means tests
From 25 September 2020, means testing will be reintroduced. This includes asset testing for all payments.
We’ll also reintroduce the Liquid Assets Waiting Period for new claims.
Partner income testing
There are changes to the JobSeeker Payment partner income test. Your payment will reduce by 27 cents, instead of 25 cents, for every dollar your partner earns over $1165 per fortnight. If your income is less than $300 per fortnight, your partner can earn up to $3086.11 before your payment reduces to zero.
Expanded eligibility criteria continues for income support payments
You may continue to be eligible for JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance for job seekers if your income has been affected. You need to meet any of the following criteria:
- permanent employees who are stood down or lose their employment
- sole traders, the self-employed, casual workers and contract workers who meet the income tests
- eligible individuals caring for someone affected by Coronavirus.
Waiting periods continue to be waived
We’ll continue to waive some waiting periods for new claims until 31 December 2020. This includes the:
- Ordinary Waiting Period
- Newly Arrived Resident’s Waiting Period
- Seasonal Work Preclusion Period.
Next steps
Read more about changes to our payments and services if you already get a payment from us.
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