The JobSeeker COVID-19 Boost Will Be Extended Till March at a Reduced Rate

It'll be cut to $150 a fortnight.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a massive impact on people across Australia and has left thousands without jobs.

That's why the federal government decided to help out by setting up a coronavirus supplement for those already receiving other welfare payments, like JobSeeker.

While the top-up payment was initially $550 extra each fortnight, it was slashed to $250 in September. Additionally, the boost was set to expire by the end of the year.

Now, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed that the coronavirus supplement payment will be extended until March 2021, but the rate will be cut from $250 to $150.

That means the overall JobSeeker rate will reduce from $815 a fortnight to $715 a fortnight from December. 

"Today's announcement, to gear through changes to the JobSeeker payment as we are doing at the same time with JobKeeper, will see more and more businesses and Australians graduate from the economic supports that were so essential over these many months," Mr Morrison told reporters.

As reported by The Guardian, Mr Morrison also pointed out that jobs are returning to the Australian economy and didn't confirm whether the economic support will continue after March 2021. 

The Aussie Prime Minister has been under pressure from Coalition backbenchers who believe the elevated rate of JobSeeker and JobKeeper wage subsidies are holding people back from returning to work. 

Social Services Minister, Anne Ruston, also highlighted that the government will extend measures to increase eligibility for JobSeeker, including shortened waiting periods and the ability to earn up to $300 per fortnight.

Those whose partners are earning up to $80,000 per year will still be able to access the payment.

You can find information on how to apply for welfare payments like Youth Allowance and JobSeeker here.

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