*This information is correct as of 4 August 2021
Both individuals and businesses across Queensland have been plunged into lockdown again, with disruptions occurring to almost everyone in differing ways. From quarantine to disrupted business hours to less income and less working hours, COVID-19 has certainly caused some troubles. To assist, the state and federal governments are offering a range of financial assistance programs for those who need them most.
Contact Books Onsite if you would like to know how our bookkeepers can assist you in a huge range of ways. Head to our contact page or call 1300 226 657 today!
COVID-19 Disaster Payment
The COVID-19 Disaster Payment is a payment designed to assist workers across Australia, including Queensland, who have been affected by a state public health order, including lockdowns, movement restrictions and/or hotspot designations. The payment depends on a range of factors, including location and your personal circumstances, so the amount can change between individuals.
More information can be found here.
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment
If you have been unable to work due to quarantine requirements, self-isolation or caring for someone with COVID-19, you may be eligible for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment. Full eligibility details can be found here, however it is generally for those that have been told to quarantine or self-isolate because:
- They have COVID-19;
- They have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19;
- They care for a child, 16 years or under, who has COVID-19; and/or
- They care for a child, 16 years or under, who’s been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19.
Additional information can be found here.
Crisis Payment
A Crisis Payment is a one-off lump sum that can be given to those in extreme financial hardship in Queensland who have experienced one of the following circumstances:
- They, or someone they are caring for, has been required to quarantine or self-isolate due to COVID-19;
- Experienced an incident of family and domestic violence;
- Had to leave home because of a natural or another disaster not covered by a disaster relief payment;
- Arrived in Australia as a Humanitarian Entrant for the first time; or
- Released from prison or psychiatric confinement.
Other eligibility criteria also apply. In most cases, Services Australia must be contacted within 7 days of the extreme circumstance occurring. However, if the extreme circumstance is due to COVID-19, contact must be made within 14 days. Further information about the Crisis Payment can be found here.
Crisis Payment for National Health Emergency (COVID-19)
A Crisis Payment is available specifically for those affected by COVID-19 in Queensland and across the nation. Known as the Crisis Payment for National Health Emergency (COVID-19), it is a one-off payment and eligibility includes:
- eligible for an income support payment or ABSTUDY Living Allowance; and
- in severe financial hardship; and
- in Australia when you claim.
More information can be found at the Services Australia website here.
Special Benefit
Finally, there is the Special Benefit financial payment for Queensland residents and Australia. This is applicable to those who are not eligible for any other payments from Services Australia, however, are experiencing financial hardship for reasons beyond an individual's control. This is only available to those who are ineligible for all other income support payments - more information can be found here.
Assistance for Retirees
If you have retired and live in Queensland, there are two changes that have been made to assist during COVID-19:
- Superannuation minimum drawdown requirements: For the 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 income years, the Government is reducing the minimum drawdown requirements by 50%; and
- Deeming rates for pensioners: As of 1 May 2020, the lower deeming rate for pensioners is 0.25% and the upper deeming rate is 2.25%.
Further information can be found here.
2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants
Some Queensland businesses may be eligible for financial support through the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants. $5,000 grants will be made available to small and medium businesses across Queensland affected by the COVID-19 lockdown that commenced on Saturday 31 July 2021 and lockdowns in other states.
Further information can be found here and eligibility can be found here.
For more information about this or any other topic covering Queensland, feel free to contact Our Brisbane Bookkeeping team at any time.