What kind of COVID-19 financial support is available for Victorians?
Last updated 1 July 2023
Last updated 1 July 2023
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:
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.
Aged care worker COVID-19 leave payment grants: For permanent or casual aged care workers who can’t work because they have tested positive for COVID-19. Note your employer has to apply for this, workers cannot apply directly.
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).
$250 Power Saving Bonus: Victorian households can use the Victorian Energy Compare website to find a better price on your energy bill, and the Victorian Government will give you $250. The new round opened on 24 March 2023 and ends on 31 August 2023.
No Interest Loans: If you are on a low income or Centrelink income support payments, or you have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years, you may be able to borrow up to $2,000 without paying fees or interest from Good Shepherd.
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.
Note that Crisis Payment for National Health Emergency and Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment has closed for applications.
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 Aged Care Worker COVID-19 Leave Payment Grant on the Australian Government website.
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Payment amount |
$450 if you lost at least 8 hours or a full day’s pay, but less than 20 hours $750 if you lost 20 hours or more of work. |
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Who can access this payment |
Individual aged care workers cannot apply for these payments directly. Only providers of Government funded residential aged care and approved home care packages can apply for these grants. |
| How to access |
You must discuss any leave requirements with your employer. If you work for more than one provider, you must nominate an employer to receive the payment from, if approved. You cannot receive payments from multiple providers. |
Read more about the $250 Power Saving Bonus on the Victorian Energy Compare website.
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Payment amount |
$250 – one off payment |
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Who can access this payment |
All Victorians households who visit the Victorian Energy Compare website or engage with an energy affordability service through one of our participating community outreach partners. |
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Impact of other payments |
Households that have previously claimed in previous rounds are eligible for this new payment. The new round of payments opened on 24 March 2023 and is scheduled to run until 31 August 2023. |
| Eligibility |
The $250 payment is open to all Victorian households who use the Victorian Energy Compare website to compare their energy deal and seek out a better price. Only one bonus is available per household.
Concession recipients who have already received a $250 Power Saving Bonus payment through the previous program are eligible to apply for another $250 payment. |
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How to access |
The quickest way to submit an application for the $250 Power Saving Bonus will be through the Victorian Energy Compare website. Victorians who do not have access to a computer or the internet can call the Victorian Energy Compare helpline (1800 000 832) or receive support from a community outreach partners. |
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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.
Justice Connect is developing a free, online interactive tool to help people legally prepare for a disaster.
Register your interest to participate in our research, including surveys, interviews and workshops.
Participants will receive a Mastercard gift card for their time.
Read more about No Interest Loans on the Good Shepherd website.
| Payment amount | Borrow up to $2,000 for essential goods and services without having to pay any fees or interest |
| Who can access this payment | If you are on a low income or receive Centrelink income support payments, and are experiencing financial hardship, or if you have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years. |
| Impact of other payments | You will be assessed to see if you are eligible, including your ability to repay the loan |
| Eligibility | To be eligible for a no interest loan, you must:
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| How to access |
You can call Good Shepherd’s No Interest Loan team on 13 64 57 or find out more online. |
This resource was last updated on 1 July 2023. This is legal information only and does not constitute legal advice. You should always contact a lawyer for advice specific to your situation. Please view our disclaimer for more information.