As vaccination rates in NSW reach the 70% and 80% targets, the phasing out of business support payments will occur. Businesses and the economy will open up and restrictions will ease.

There will be key changes to JobSaver, Micro-business Grants and COVID-19 Disaster Payments as vaccination rates meet the following levels;

70% Double Vaccination Rate (16 years and older)

 JobSaver

  • Payments will reduce from 40% to 30% of weekly payroll
  • Minimum weekly payment will be $1,125
  • Maximum weekly payment will be $75,000, and
  • Weekly non-employing business payment amount will reduce to $750

Micro-business Grant

  • No changes

 80% Double Vaccination Rate (16 years and older)

JobSaver

  • Payments will reduce from 30% to 15% of weekly payroll
  • Minimum weekly payment will be $562.50
  • Maximum weekly payment will be $37,500, and
  • Weekly non-employing business payment amount will reduce to $375.

Micro-business Grant

  • Fortnightly amount will half to $750

On 30 November

Both JobSaver and the Micro-business grant programs end.

These payments will continue to be paid on a fortnightly cycle until 30 November. Reconfirming your eligibility, including that businesses continue to experience a 30% decline in turnover, will be required until the end of the program.

COVID-19 Disaster Payment

Changes as vaccination rates are reached:

70% Vaccination Rate (16 years and older)

  • The payment will cease to automatically renew. Individuals must reapply each week to confirm their eligibility
  • The payment amounts remain the same

80% Vaccination Rate (16 years and older)

  • The payment will step down over two weeks from the first week after the target is reached.

Week 1:

o             Flat payment of $450 for those who have lost more than 8 hours of work

o             The supplement for those on income support decreases to $100 from $200 currently

Week 2:

o             Flat payment of $320 (same as JobSeeker) for those who have lost more than 8 hours of work

o             The supplement for those on income support is removed

The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment remains in place until 30 June 2022. This payment provides support for individuals if they can’t earn an income because they must self-isolate, quarantine, or are caring for someone with COVID-19.

These changes are regardless of whether a state remains in lockdown or still has significant restrictions in place.

After the two week phase out, individuals will need to look at other social security payments if necessary.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

The VJC Team.