Services Australia (21.07.2020) The income free area for JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance for job seekers will increase to $300 per fortnight. The income free area is currently $106 for JobSeeker Payment and $143 for Youth Allowance. This means you can earn more but still get the maximum payment rates. If you earn above $300 per fortnight, your payment reduces by 60 cents for each dollar over this amount. From 25 September 2020, means testing will be reintroduced. This includes asset testing for all payments.

Services Australia (21.07.2020) The Australian Government is extending the Coronavirus Supplement until 31 December 2020. The Coronavirus Supplement of $550 per fortnight is available until 24 September 2020. Beyond this date, the Coronavirus Supplement will be available at $250 per fortnight until 31 December 2020.

Treasury.gov.au (21.07.2020) On 21 July, the Government announced it is extending the JobKeeper Payment until 28 March 2021 and is targeting support to those businesses and not-for-profits which continue to be significantly impacted by the Coronavirus. From 28 September 2020, eligibility for the JobKeeper Payment will be based on actual turnover in the relevant periods, the payment will be stepped down and paid at two rates.

UN Secretary-General Policy Brief: COVID-19 and the need for action on mental health

Key messages:

The problem:

Australian Taxation Office (04.05.2020) COVID-19 – early release of superannuation: Individuals financially affected by COVID-19 can access some of their superannuation early. The withdrawal is tax free. 

Eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents are able to apply to access up to:

• $10,000 of their super until 30 June 2020
• a further $10,000 from 1 July 2020 until 24 September 2020.

To apply for early release, you must be unemployed or satisfy one of the requirements.

Services Australia (08.05.2020) Economic Support Payment: The first Economic Support Payment is a one-off payment of $750. You’ll get it if you were living in Australia between 12 March 2020 and 13 April 2020 and either:

• were on an eligible payment (Age Pension, Bereavement Allowance, JobSeeker Payment, Sickness Allowance, etc.)
• had an eligible concession card.

The second Economic Support Payment is also $750. You may get it if you get an eligible payment or have an eligible concession card on 10 July 2020. We’ll pay this in July 2020.