People who live or work in Albury-Wodonga and are affected by lockdown restrictions are being supported by the Australian Government through the COVID-19 Disaster Payment.
The payment continues to be made available to cross-border residents who are impacted by the recently introduced state-wide lockdown in New South Wales.
Nationals Senate Leader and Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said it’s important locals check if they’re eligible for the payment.
“We’re continuing to support our regional cities on both sides of the border who have been impacted by the state-wide lockdown in New South Wales,” Senator McKenzie said.
“That means if you live in Wodonga and work in Albury for example, you may still be eligible for the COVID-19 Disaster Payment, despite regional Victoria no longer being in lockdown.”
“We know things are tough for many people in our regions right now, which is why it’s so important they’re aware of the support available to them through this payment.”
To date, Services Australia has granted more than 2.3 million COVID-19 Disaster Payment claims nationally with a value exceeding $3 billion.
Eligible people in Commonwealth declared hotspots will receive $750 per week if they have lost 20 or more hours of work, and $450 per week if they have lost between 8 and less than 20 hours of work, or a full day of work.
People who currently receive an income support payment can also receive an extra payment of $200 if they have lost at least eight hours of work and meet the other eligibility requirements for the COVID-19 Disaster Payment.
The Australian Government is also pausing all Centrelink debt raising and new debt recovery in locked down Local Government Areas.
People already receiving COVID-19 Disaster Payments don’t need to undertake any further action as the payments are recurring. Those impacted by the state-wide lockdown in New South Wales can now claim, with claims back paid to the start of the lockdown.
Anyone who has already lost work as a result of COVID-19 restrictions can also claim any time. New South Wales residents who physically cross the state border to attend work each day (for example into Victoria) and who cannot do so due to lockdown restrictions are eligible for the payment, so long as they meet the other eligibility criteria.
Similarly, residents of another state, (for example Victoria) who usually cross the border each day to physically attend their workplace in New South Wales can claim the payment, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
The simplest and fastest way to claim is online through MyGov. People can prepare to claim by creating a MyGov account if they don’t already have one.
To check if you’re eligible for the COVID-19 Disaster Payment, you can log on to Services Australia: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/