Yahoo Finance ‘Nobody should feel stressed’: NSW flags financial support
Much of NSW will enter lockdown at 6pm on Saturday as the Delta COVID variant continues to concern authorities.
Greater Sydney, Wollongong, the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast are all impacted by the 14 day lockdown, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Saturday afternoon. It will kick in from 6pm on Saturday.
She said residents impacted by the lockdowns shouldn't “feel stressed” about the financial ramifications of the lockdown.
“In the next few days, we'll be announcing support to businesses and also the Federal Government support to households kicks in at a certain time, and obviously, that will kick in,” Berejiklian said.
Under the Federal Government support, workers who have lost income for eight consecutive days due to health restrictions in designated COVID hotspots are eligible for up to $500 in support.
Government Services Minister Linda Reynolds on Friday said the COVID disaster payments will become available on Thursday 1 July, as several parts of Sydney have been defined as a hotspot since 23 June.
“Eligible people will receive $500 if they’ve lost 20 hours or more of work, and $325 if they’ve lost less than 20 hours of work. They must not have liquid assets of more than $10,000 or be in receipt of other payments,” Reynolds added.
Berejiklian said she will provide more details on the state support in the coming days.
“In the meantime, I don't want anyone to feel stressed more than we need to and I don't want anyone to feel panicked about their financial situation.”
The Premier on Friday said she doesn’t expect businesses other than those selling food, groceries and other essential products and services to stay open during the lockdown.
$1,500 pandemic leave payments available now
While Sydneysiders are unable to claim the Federal COVID disaster payments until 1 July, some may be able to access the larger Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.
This $1,500 lump sum payment is open to people who have lost income after receiving an order from a health authority to isolate for 14 days.
That could be due to a positive COVID test, close contact with a case or the need to care for someone with the virus.
However, it’s not available to people with access to paid leave or government income support.
You can claim this payment here.
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