Changes to COVID Restrictions in NSW

Image source: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/news/how-access-and-claim-payments-and-services-nsw

With the announcement made by the NSW Government on Saturday, we ask that all visitors to our office please wear masks to keep everyone safe, and comply with NSW Health’s guidelines.

The re-introduction of the 1 person per 4m2 rule also means that we are only permitted to have limited number of visitors to our office at any one time. Therefore, we would like to ask for your patience and understanding if we need to delay our meeting with you. Alternatively, we can arrange the earlier via Zoom, if that is more convenient for you.

Recent reporting in the media on COVID-19 disaster relief payment for people affected by the lockdown is a little confusing, so we thought that we would take this opportunity to clarify it for you, in case you are eligible for this assistance.

COVID-19 Disaster Payment

This payment applies if:

1. You are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or temporary visa holder who has a right to work in Australia; and

2. You are aged 17 years and over; and

3. You live or are working in a designated “hotspot”; and

4. You are an eligible worker who cannot attend work, or who has lost income because of a lockdown and do not have paid leave entitlements; and

5. You have been affected for more than 7 days (i.e. you are not eligible for the payment for the first 7 days); and

6. You are not receiving any income support payment, a state or territory pandemic payment, Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment or state small business payment; and

7. You do not have liquid assets of more than $10,000.

Below is a table setting out the hotspot declarations:

If you do qualify for this assistance, then the amount that you will receive depends on how many hours of work that you do:

1. Less than 20 hours - $325;

2. At least 20 or more hours - $500.

These payments are taxable, and need to be included in your tax return.

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment

This payment is available if you have been advised by the relevant health authority to self-isolate or quarantine because:

1. You have COVID-19;

2. You have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19;

3. You are caring for a child 16 years or younger who has COVID-19;

4. You are caring for a child 16 years or younger who has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.

You are eligible for this payment if you are:

1. An Australian citizen, permanent resident or temporary visa holder who has the right to work in Australia; and

2. Aged 17 years or over; and

3. Unable to go to work and earn an income; and

4. Not able to access paid leave entitlements, including pandemic sick leave, personal leave or carers leave because you are not eligible for any of them; and

5. Not getting any income support payment, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Paid parental leave or Dad and Partner Pay.

6. You may also be eligible for this payment is you are a carer for someone who has been affected.

Similar to the COVID-19 Disaster Payment, Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is also taxable, and needs to be declared on your tax return.

If you are unsure as to your eligibility, please contact us, or you can contact Services Australia.

New Support for Small Businesses by the NSW Government

Earlier today, the NSW Government announced grants of up to $10,000 for businesses that have their turnover reduced because of the lockdown.
 
To be eligible, businesses must have turnover of at least $75,000 per annum, less than 20 full-time employees, and have payroll costs less than $1.2 million ($10 million if that business is in the tourism, accommodation or hospitality industry) per annum.
 
If businesses meet the above criteria, then the grants are:

1. Turnover reduced by more than 70% - the full $10,000;

2. Turnover reduced by more than 50%, but less than 70% - $7,000; and

3. Turnover reduced by at least 30% but less than 50% - $5,000.

Hotel operators can also defer their gaming and payroll tax payments.

These measures are in addition to the assistance packages mentioned above, which are offered by the Commonwealth.


Disclaimer: The material and contents provided in this publication are informative in nature only. It is not intended to be advice and you should not act specifically on the basis of this information alone. If expert assistance is required, professional advice should be obtained.