Here's a summary of the Federal Government stimulus packages for individuals, both financial and services like health, mental health, domestic violence and education. Please see the links for more details.
Job Keeper
As highlighted above which allows citizen or permanent resident who are either full time/part-time or casual who have been with the same employer for greater than 12 months to be entitled for Job-Keeper Payment. The intention behind the payment is that you will be able to sign back up with the employer if you wish.
- It’s $750 per fortnight paid by your former employer for a 6 month period
- https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/households#jobkeeper
Income to Support Individuals
For those on Job seeker payment, the government is giving an additional $550 per fortnight supplement payment + Normal social security payments
Payments to Support Holders
Two $750 payment for concession card holders, income support recipients. On March 31st and July 30th.
Temporary Early Release of Superannuation
The Government is allowing individuals affected by the Coronavirus to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further $10,000 in 2020-21.
- I would Say DO NOT DO THIS UNLESS IT’S A MUST! Why, you are taking out money from Super at the worst time.
- https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/households#early
Temporary Reducing Superannuation Minimum Drawdown
The Government is pensioners to reduce to halve the draw down rate for the FY2020 and FY2021 years. This is because the balances would have been impacted by the stockmarket sell-off.
- Make sure to tell your family members that have reached pension age this.
- https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/households#early
Deeming Rate
For Pensioners & Social Security recipients. The upper deeming rate will be 2.25 per cent and the lower deeming rate will be 0.25 per cent. The deeming rate is the amount the government believes you are likely to earn in income from your liquid assets (Cash).
Mental Health & Health Services Support
The federal government has also announced several initiatives including support for mental health services, which may be relevant for you. This is an incredibly stress full time for many of us.
In particular the following sources of support may be useful:
- Medicare support at home - To provide continued access to essential primary health services during the coronavirus pandemic, $669 million will be provided to expand Medicare-subsidised telehealth services for all Australians, with extra incentives to GPs and other health practitioners also delivered.
- Domestic violence support –
An initial $150 million will be provided to support Australians experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence due to the fallout from coronavirus.
- Mensline - https://mensline.org.au/
- 1800 Respect – national sexual assault, domestic family violence and counselling service.
- Head to Health – The Government’s digital mental health portal which provides links to trusted Australian online and phone supports, resources and treatment options. http://www.headtohealth.gov.au/
- Beyond Blue – dedicated coronavirus wellbeing support line is currently being developed. Existing phone and webchat support services are still available. https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/
- Lifeline – phone, text and webchat support. https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
- Kids Helpline – phone, webchat or email support service for children.
- https://kidshelpline.com.au/
Tertiary Studies
Subsidised Short University Courses Across Australia.
The federal government has just announced an $18 Billion funding program to support those impacted by Covid19 to upskill their education at a University.
Free TAFE COURSES to Support NSW during Covid19
A suite of 21 fee-free TAFE NSW short courses are available online to assist anyone across the state who wants to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic
The 21 short courses include:
- eMarketing for Small Business
- Engaging Customers Using Social Media
- Writing and Presentation Skills
- Computing Skills
- Team Leader Skill Set
- Administration Skills for Team Leaders.
Related links
Australian Government & Prime Minister’s Office