What kind of COVID-19 financial support is available for Victorians?
Last updated 23 March 2022
Last updated 23 March 2022
The Federal and Victorian Governments are offering a number of different types of COVID-19 financial support for individuals. Here’s a rundown of the various kinds of support available during the pandemic:
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment: For people who need to isolate or quarantine because you have COVID-19 or are a close contact, or you are caring for someone with COVID-19 or are a close contact. There are different requirements if you’re claiming for a period of isolation or quarantine either before 18 January or after 18 January 2022. Paid by the Federal Government.
Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee: For Victorian workers who are not able to work because you are ill or caring for someone, and not entitled to paid leave. This includes if you are a casual employee or self-employed. Paid by the Victorian Government.
Crisis Payment for National Health Emergency (COVID-19): For people who are on a Centrelink income support payment or ABSTUDY Living Allowance, who has to quarantine or self-isolate (or caring for someone who is quarantining or self-isolating), and in severe financial hardship. Paid by the Federal Government.
Help to pay your rent: If you are in a private rental and you’re behind in rent, you may be eligible for a one-off payment through the Private Rental Assistance Program (PRAP).
For an overview of all the support available for Victorian individuals and families during this time (including financial, utilities & bills, food, emergency relief and hardship support) see the Victorian Government’s website.
If you’re a business looking for help, visit the Victorian Government’s business grants and support website.
Read more about the Pandemic Leave Disaster payment on the Services Australia website.
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Payment amount |
$1,500 – one-off payment |
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Who can access this payment |
If you need to isolate because you have COVID-19 or are a close contact, or you needed to care for a someone affected by either of these. |
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Impact of other payments |
You cannot receive this payment if during the isolation, quarantine or caring period, you received any income or Centrelink income payments or JobKeeper payments, COVID-19 Disaster Payment or the Victorian COVID-19 Worker Support Payment. |
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Eligibility |
You may be eligible if the Victorian Department of Health and Human services has told you to self-isolate or quarantine. If you were in isolation or caring for someone on or before 17 January 2022, you are eligible for the $1,500 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment, if you:
If you’re a member of a couple, you can both claim this payment. You and your partner must complete separate claims. |
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How to access |
If your claim is for 17 January 2022 or earlier, call Services Australia on 180 22 66. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm. |
Read more about the Pandemic Leave Disaster payment on the Services Australia website.
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Payment amount |
$450 for 7 days of isolation – if you lost at least 8 hours, or a full day’s work $750 for 7 days of isolation – if you lost 20 hours of more of work |
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Who can access this payment |
If you need to isolate because you have COVID-19 or are a close contact, or you needed to care for a someone affected by either of these. |
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Impact of other payments |
You cannot receive this payment if during the isolation, quarantine or caring period, you received any income or Centrelink income payments or JobKeeper payments, COVID-19 Disaster Payment or the Victorian COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment. |
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Eligibility |
You may be eligible if the Victorian Department of Health and Human services has told you to self-isolate or quarantine. If you were in isolation or caring on or after 18 January 2022, you are eligible for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment, if you:
If you’re a member of a couple, you can both claim this payment. You and your partner must complete separate claims. |
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How to access |
You must submit a claim with 14 days of the start of each 7 day period of isolation, quarantine or caring. Apply online or by phone via Services Australia. |
Read more about the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee on the Victorian Government website.
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Payment amount |
Up to 38 hours a year of sick or carer’s pay at national minimum wage ($20.33 per hour) |
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Who can access this payment |
If you are a Victorian worker who is a casual employee or self-employed and you are not able to work because you are ill or caring for someone, and are not entitled to paid leave. |
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Impact of other payments |
You can’t claim the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment and the Sick Pay Guarantee at the same time. |
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Eligibility |
You are eligible if you:
Eligible occupations are:
See full list of eligible occupations on the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee Guidelines website. |
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How to access |
You can claim for a minimum of three hours and a maximum of 12 hours per day. You can claim all 38 hours in one application if you need to. You must submit your claim within 60 days of the absence from work. Note that you cannot claim for any absences before you registered for the Sick Pay Guarantee. Check your eligibility and register online via the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee website. |
Read more about the Crisis Payment on the Services Australia website.
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Payment amount |
One-off payment equal to a week’s pay at the maximum basic rate of your income support payment or ABSTUDY Living Allowance. |
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Who can access this payment |
If you are eligible for an income support payment, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, or are in severe financial hardship, you can apply for this payment. |
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Impact of other payments |
You can receive a maximum of 2 Crisis Payments for National Health Emergency in a 6-month period. However, you can only receive 1 payment per quarantine or self-isolation. If claiming this payment for caring for someone with COVID-19, you cannot claim this payment if someone else has already received the payment to provide care for the same person. |
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Eligibility |
To receive this payment you must be:
You must also either be:
You must also contact Services Australia within 14 days of entering quarantine or self-isolation or caring for someone who is. You can’t receive this crisis payment for lockdown. |
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How to access |
Apply online via Services Australia. |
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Payment amount |
A one-off payment to help cover the cost of your rent. |
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Who can access this payment |
If you are living in a private rental and are experiencing financial hardship, including if you receive Centrelink income support payments, you can apply for this payment. |
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Impact of other payments |
Payments are made directly to your rental provider (landlord) so shouldn’t affect your income. Check with your local housing service if you’re unsure. |
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Eligibility |
If you are behind in rent or have missed a rental payment, you may be eligible for financial support through the Victorian government funded Private Rental Assistance Program. |
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How to access |
Find your local housing and homelessness service and call them to ask about accessing PRAP. If your local PRAP service is Launch Housing, you can apply online. |
If you are behind in rent or struggling to pay rent, Dear Landlord can help you understand your options based on your circumstances. Simply answer a few questions and Dear Landlord will help determine the best way forward, whether that’s helping you draft a payment plan request to your rental provider, request a rent reduction, prepare a VCAT review application, get ready for a VCAT hearing, end a lease, and finding further financial or legal help.