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

Here's what you need to know. 

With the government closing restaurants, bars, clubs and cinemas to help stop the spread of coronavirus, thousands of people across the country have found themselves without a job. 

Some people have lost their jobs entirely, and others have had their hours cut until their employer can reopen.

However, no one knows how long the COVID-19 pandemic is going to last, or when the restrictions on businesses will be lifted.

The hospitality, retail and small business sectors have been particularly impacted by the unprecedented measures. For many young people and other casual workers employed in these industries, this is a highly stressful time.

If you've been hit with unemployment, you're probably wondering: What do I do? It's only natural to be overwhelmed and confused about the ever-evolving situation. 

Try to stay calm though, cause we've got your back, and we've figured out precisely what welfare payments you could be entitled to.

What is the welfare payment?

Given the large number of people who will be out of work because of COVID-19, the federal government has set up a new coronavirus supplement. Basically, it's an additional top-up payment for people on welfare.

The Australian Government has announced more financial assistance for coronavirus affected job seekers. There’s more support for people who have lost their job or had their income reduced. 1/2

— Services Australia (@ServicesGovAU) March 22, 2020

Who is eligible? 

If you're already receiving a welfare payment like JobSeeker Payment, Sickness Allowance, Parenting Payment Partnered, Parenting Payment Single, Partner Allowance or Farm Household Allowance, you'll be eligible for the supplement. 

It has also been extended to young people and students who are receiving Youth Allowance.

Fortunately, you won't need to go through any application process if you're already receiving one of those welfare payments. Services Australia will automatically pay you the supplement each fortnight. 

If you're not already receiving one of those payments, you can still apply. Except, you'll be looking at a lengthier process as you'll need to call Centrelink or apply online through MyGov.

If you’ve lost your job or your income has reduced and you don’t already have a CRN, your first step is to call us on 132 850. We know wait times are long, but please persist. We’re open Monday – Friday 8am-8pm and weekends 9am-5pm (both local time). 1/2

— Services Australia (@ServicesGovAU) March 24, 2020

How much money will I receive?

The Australian government has doubled the JobSeeker Payment, which is currently $550 per fortnight, as part of the coronavirus stimulus package. Whether you're already receiving welfare payments or not, you will be eligible for up to $1,100 per fortnight.

The extra $550 per fortnight will come into effect on Monday 27 April and will last for a minimum of six months. Plus, the ordinary waiting period has been waived, so you'll get it immediately.

What will I need to apply? 

When applying for the coronavirus supplement, you'll need to have a bunch of supporting documents like your tax file number and financial statements. Plus, you'll be required to prove your identity using a selection of documents listed here. 

Additionally, you'll need to make an initial declaration about your identity, residency status and income, and state that you've been made redundant or had your hours reduced.

It sounds confusing, but Centrelink will help you through the process.

What if my employer is paying me annual or sick leave? 

If you have a part-time or a full-time job and the business you work for has temporarily closed, it's likely that your employer will pay you annual or sick leave. You won't be able to receive the coronavirus supplement payment while you're still getting those entitlements. 

In saying that, if your accumulated entitlements run out and you're still not back at work for the foreseeable future, you'll be able to apply.

How long will the process take? 

Teale from WA, a casual cinema worker, tells Student Edge it's important to get started sooner rather than later.

"Yesterday I had to resubmit some documents online and it took me two and a half hours of refreshing my phone to actually get onto the website," she says. 

"At the same time, I'm one of the luckier ones, because everyone who has been trying to apply from Sunday onwards has been struggling to get through." 

On Monday, the MyGov website crashed as a result of over 123,000 people trying to access Centrelink. Along with that, many Aussies queued outside Centrelink offices to try and get their payments sorted.

Here in Australia the first of one million, newly unemployed workers have been queuing to sign up for welfare benefits, scenes reminiscent of the Great Depression... pic.twitter.com/eoO8QFb3Nc

— Bryan Seymour (@BryanSeymour1) March 24, 2020

As of April, applicants will be able to call to verify their identities, rather than visiting the offices directly.

As Teale explains, the experience has been tiring. 

"It has been a very emotionally tough time," she says. 

"Even though I know I'm eligible for the payments, being out of work and not actually having it sorted is a bit overwhelming."

It's undoubtedly going to be an exhausting period for both applicants and Centrelink staff, so it's important that we're as kind and patient towards one another as possible.

You can find more information about the coronavirus supplement here. 

This article was updated on 25 March to reflect that anyone already receiving JobSeeker Payment, Sickness Allowance, Parenting Payment Partnered, Parenting Payment Single, Partner Allowance, Farm Household Allowance or Youth Allowance will automatically get the coronavirus supplement, regardless of age. 

Header Image: Jenny Evans / Stringer / Getty Images News via Getty Images