COVID-19 isolation payments are back - what you need to know

COVID-19 pandemic leave payments are back from today, following a reversal by the federal government.

The scheme, jointly funded by the federal and state governments, allows people who lose work due to enforced COVID-19 isolation to claim support payments of up to $750.

Here's what you need to know about claiming.

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Who is eligible for the payment?

Broadly, people who miss out on work because they or somebody they care for is forced to isolate due to COVID-19.

This includes close contacts who have to stay home for seven days.

To be eligible, people must also have lost at least eight hours of work, and have less than $10,000 in liquid assets (such as cash and savings) available on the first day of the period the payment is being paid for.

People who are receiving other government payments, such as Austudy or the pension, are also ineligible.

Anybody getting a state COVID-19 support payment, such as the NSW Test or Isolate Payment, or the COVID-19 disaster relief payment, is likewise out.

And - even if you lost some work - if you received any income during the isolation period, you can't get the support payment.

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How much can I claim?

People who are eligible for the support payments can claim $450 if they lost between eight and 20 hours of work during their isolation period.

Anybody who loses more than 20 hours of work can claim $750.

People can make one claim for every seven-day isolation period they have to endure.

Couples who have to isolate together can both claim the payment if eligible, but will need to file separate claims.

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How do I claim the money?

You must submit a claim within 14 days of the start of each seven day period of self-isolation.

However, if your isolation period took place during the time where the payment program had been suspended - July 1-20 - you have until August 2 to lodge a claim.

From tomorrow, July 21, you must abide by the 14-day deadline.

You cannot submit a new claim if you've lodged a previous claim that has not yet been completed.

People claiming the payment must now do so online - access the instructions here.

If you cannot use MyGov, or are a temporary visa holder, you will need to contact the emergency information line on 180 22 66.

Is proof needed?

You'll need to register a positive PCR or RAT result with your state health authority.

The federal Department of Health website can take you through the procedure of how to do so, state by state.

I was in isolation when the payment program was cancelled - can I still make a claim?

As touched on above, yes, you can.

Although the program ended at the start of July, before being re-launched today, people can still make a claim if they lost work during the interim.

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