Did you know you can claim financial support in case you lose income because of self-isolation?

The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is a $1,500 lump sum payment for each 14-day period you’ve been told to self-isolate or quarantine, or are caring for someone with COVID-19.

Am I eligible for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment?

Main eligibility criteria

You may be eligible if a state or regional health official has told you to self-isolate or quarantine for any of these reasons:

  • you have COVID-19 or you’ve been in close contact with someone who does
  • you care for a child (16 years or under) who has COVID-19 or has been in close contact with someone who does*

In order to be eligible for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment, your 14-day period of quarantine or caring must have started on or after the date below:

Australian Capital Territory N/A
New South Wales 7 September 2020
Queensland 7 October 2020
South Australia 10 September 2020
Victoria 5 July 2020
Western Australia 5 July 2020

Important: You may be eligible for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment if you’re caring for an adult who has COVID-19.

Also, if you’re a member of a couple, you can both claim this payment. You and your partner will need to complete separate claims.

*In VIC, besides infection or confirmed close contact with an infected person, you may be eligible for the payment if you’ve been at a Tier 1 exposure site

Further eligibility criteria

  • at least 17 years old
  • Australian resident or visa holder with right to work in Australia
  • unable to go to work and earn an income
  • no sick leave entitlements (pandemic sick leave, personal leave, leave to care for another person)
  • no income support payments, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Paid Parental Leave or Dad and Partner Pay
  • no JobKeeper Payment

State-specific grants that may affect your eligibility

In addition to the grants and payments above, receiving these state-specific benefits cancels your eligibility for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment:

Australian Capital Territory ACT COVID-19 Hardship Isolation Payment
Queensland Queensland Hardship Payment
South Australia South Australian Paid Pandemic Leave Scheme
Victoria Victorian Coronavirus (COVID-19) Worker Support Payment

How do I claim?

There are two ways you can claim the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment:

1. Over the phone

Call 180 22 66 (8 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Friday) where Services Australia can take your claim.

You can also call 131 202 for languages other than English.

2. Via fax

Print and complete the form specific to your state from the list below and fax it to 1300 727 760

Is the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment taxable income?

Yes, you’ll need to include the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment in your 2020-21 Income Tax Return.

If you receive Family Assistance or have a Child Support assessment, there are some additional steps you need to be mindful of:

If you get Family Assistance

You’ll need to include the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment in your family income estimate as taxable income. You need to do this if you or your partner get:

If you have a Child Support assessment

The payment will form part of your adjusted taxable income for Child Support. You must include it in any income estimate you lodge for the 2020-21 financial year.

The easiest way to view and update this information is via your Centrelink account through myGov or the Centrelink Express Plus and Child Support Express Plus apps.

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About Splend

At Splend we help on-demand drivers thrive. As a result, we  continue to help our members through the COVID-19 outbreak. Our dedicated Member Success Representatives and Member Care Team are on standby to answer any questions you might have.

During the pandemic, our Member Support Centres will operate strictly by appointment only. Simply give us a call on 1800 775 363 and make an appointment, so we can ensure the safest conditions for your visit.