How to Apply for the Coronavirus Supplement (and What to Do If You’re Under 22)

We’ve broken it down for you.

With thousands of people now unemployed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the government has set up a new coronavirus supplement to help people out. The supplement is an additional top-up payment for people already receiving other welfare payments.

Even though you’ve probably read about it, there’s a lot of information out there, and you might still be a bit confused over the application process.

So, let's go through it together. 

Firstly, you’ll want to make sure you’re eligible for the coronavirus supplement. If you’ve lost your job or had your hours reduced as a result of COVID-19, or you’re already receiving a welfare payment, you’ll likely be able to get it.

With the coronavirus supplement, a single person without a child receiving the JobSeeker payment could get a maximum amount of about $1,100 per fortnight from Monday 27 April.

However, the application process differs depending on whether you’re already receiving welfare payments from Centrelink.

What happens if I'm already receiving welfare payments?

For those who are receiving payments like Youth Allowance, JobSeeker Payment, Austudy, ABSTUDY, Sickness Allowance, Parenting Payment Partnered, Parenting Payment Single, Partner Allowance or Farm Household Allowance, you don’t need to go through any application process.

Instead, Services Australia will automatically pay you around $550 extra each fortnight, on top of your usual payment. Basically: you don’t have to do anything and can expect to receive the supplement payments from Monday 27 April.

What if I'm not already getting a welfare payment?

This is where things get a little trickier.

Earlier in the week, those who had never received a welfare payment from Centrelink had to call to obtain a Customer Reference Number (CRN). However, given the massive influx of calls, Centrelink have now sidestepped the need for a CRN. 

Instead, if you don't have a CRN, you will need to sign into your myGov account and click the new 'intent to claim' button, which allows you to submit your contact details to Centrelink without needing a CRN. From there, Centrelink will get in contact with you to steer you through the process. 

You’ll have to answer a series of questions, along with providing your bank details and other personal information on myGov. After that’s all done, Centrelink will process your application and let you know how much money you’ll be receiving from them. All payments will be backdated to the time you registered your intent to claim. 

You also don't need to call up if you already have a CRN, even if you're not currently receiving any welfare payments. Just go ahead and apply for the relevant payment (here are the instructions for Youth Allowance and JobSeeker) with your pre-existing CRN.

If you're aged between 22 and 65, it's likely that you'll be eligible for the JobSeeker payment, which is available to those who are unemployed and looking for work.

If you're still working some hours, you might not get the maximum amount, as the payments are reduced based on your income. But you should get the full coronavirus supplement as long as you earn less than about $1,100 per fortnight. 

The usual waiting periods have also been waived, so you’ll get the payment immediately.

What if I’m under 22 and my hours have been reduced or I've lost my job?

Considering coronavirus has had a significant impact on workers across various industries, Centrelink has temporarily expanded the eligibility criteria for the Youth Allowance payment. If you’re aged between 16 and 21 and you’re looking for work, this one is for you.

The payment will extend to permanent employees who have lost their jobs, as well as sole traders and self-employed, casual or contract workers whose income has been reduced, along with people caring for someone who’s affected by coronavirus.

In saying that, income testing will still apply. This means if you’re still earning an income, the amount you receive will be tapered down accordingly. Additionally, if you’re still classified as being dependent on your parents, their income will also affect the amount you’ll get too. You can find out more about the eligibility criteria here.

However, even if you only end up receiving a small Youth Allowance payment, you'll still get the full $550 coronavirus supplement.

Read more:

Out of Work 'Cause of COVID-19? Here Are the Payments You’re Eligible For

This article was updated on 25 March to reflect that first-time Centrelink applicants do not have to call Centrelink to obtain a CRN.

Header Image: Quinn Rooney / Staff / Getty Images News via Getty Images