TENANTS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR JOB
If you have lost your job and are concerned about falling into arrears, please:
- Immediately email your property manager
- Apply for financial assistance from Centrelink
- Speak to energy providers for assistance and payment plans
- Read the Australian Government Department of Social Services FAQ
If you suspect you or a family member has Coronavirus you should call (not visit) your GP or ring the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
COVID-19 RELATED CENTRELINK SUPPORT
The Government has announced it will provide a temporary Coronavirus Supplement of $550 a fortnight to new and existing income support recipients from 27 April 2020 for six months. People will receive their usual payment plus $550 each fortnight for the six-month period.
THE CORONAVIRUS SUPPLEMENT WILL BE PROVIDED TO PEOPLE RECEIVING:
- JobSeeker Payment
- Sickness Allowance
- Youth Allowance for jobseekers
- Parenting Payment Partnered
- Parenting Payment Single
- Partner Allowance
- Sickness Allowance
- Farm Household Allowance
TWO ECONOMIC SUPPORT PAYMENTS
The Government has announced it will provide an Economic Support payment of $750 to Social Security and Veterans’ income support recipients, Farm Household Allowance (FHA) recipients, Family Tax Benefit (FTB) recipients and holders of a Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) or Commonwealth Gold Card who were eligible on 12 March 2020.
It has also announced it will extend the eligibility for the first Economic Support payment to people who were eligible for their payment or card between 12 March 2020 and 13 April 2020 (inclusive). It will also provide a second Economic Support payment, also of $750, to people eligible for any of the payments or cards in the first round of payments on 10 July 2020 so long as they do not receive the Coronavirus Supplement with their payment.
CRISIS PAYMENT
Changes are being made to crisis payment to ensure people who are in financial hardship and need to self-isolate receive the support they need.
Current income support recipients who cannot meet mutual obligation requirements due to isolation should call Services Australia and can be granted a Major Personal Crisis exemption, without having to provide evidence such as a medical certificate.
Students receiving Youth Allowance (student) or other study related payments who are in Australia but unable to attend studies due to Coronavirus would be taken to have a reasonable excuse for not meeting study activity requirements for their payments. Individuals in this situation must contact Services Australia to advise them of the circumstances.
UTILITIES PROVIDERS
If you’re having difficulty paying your energy bills, you may be able to get government assistance if you’re eligible. If you receive Centrelink payments, most energy providers can arrange for amounts to be transferred from your payments to pay your bill.
STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
You could be eligible for state government assistance to help pay your utility bills. Visit the Government’s MoneySmart website for info in your state.
VICTORIA
Victorian customers can apply for assistance from the Utility Relief Grant Scheme (URGS). Visit the Victoria State Government website
COVID-19 HOTLINES
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Australian Government Department of Health https://www.health.gov.au/
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National Coronavirus Hotline — 1800 020 080
Call this line if you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Victorian Department of Health and Human Services https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
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Victorian Coronavirus Hotline — 1800 675 398
If you suspect you may have the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) call the dedicated hotline – open 24 hours, seven days.
Please keep Triple Zero (000) for emergencies only.
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Services Australia - The department delivering government payments and services. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/
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Centrelink — 13 24 68 https://my.gov.au/
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Business Victoria — 13 22 15 : Advice, updates and support for businesses responding to COVID-19 impacts. business.vic.gov.au
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Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) - 131 450 / tisnational.gov.au
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1800RESPECT
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Relationships Australia — 1300 364 277
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Australian Red Cross — 1800 RED CROSS
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Salvation Army Australia — 13 SALVOS
DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.