Are You Eligible for the Victorian Government’s $300 Coronavirus Hardship Payment?

Here's what you need to know.

With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Melbourne increasing, the Victorian government has announced a $300 support payment for people who have to isolate after being tested for coronavirus.

While some of the details of the payment are still being finalised, we know that it's a one-off $300 support payment for people who need to take time off work to get tested for COVID-19 and wait for the result.

People who lose all income during that space of time will be able to claim the payment after being tested. However, you'll need to meet all the government's eligibility requirements.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Basically, you'll be eligible for the $300 payment if you meet the eligibility requirements of the Victorian government's existing scheme. 

The existing scheme is a $1,500 payment, which you can get if you've tested positive for coronavirus and have no leave entitlements. 

Unlike that scheme, however, you do not need to test positive to claim the $300 support payment.

You must be over the age of 17, currently residing in Victoria and not receiving JobKeeper or any other Australian government income support.

On top of that, you have to demonstrate you were likely to have worked during the period of self-isolation or quarantine after your COVID-19 test, and can't work as a result of the requirement to stay at home, isolate or quarantine.

You also must have exhausted your sick leave entitlements including any special pandemic leave, and you can't be receiving any income, earnings or salary maintenance from work as a result of not being able to work during the period of self-isolation or quarantine at home.

What documentation do I have to provide to claim the hardship payment?

To claim the payment, you'll need to provide a pay slip or a statutory declaration. 

As reported by the ABC, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said it's about getting the payments out as quickly as possible. 

"If you're sick, get tested quick and then isolate until you get that test result," Mr Andrews said.

The administrative details of the payment are still being finalised, so we'll be sure to update you when more information is available.

How do I apply? 

If you'd like to apply for the hardship payments, you can call the state's coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 to register. It's open 24 hours, seven days a week. 

Otherwise, you can expres your interest in the Worker Support Payment here.

After you've done that, you'll be contacted by the government to confirm your eligibility for the payments. 

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