Single mother of two girls struggling to get by on $310 a week
Single mother Emma Pucci is struggling to provide for her two daughters.
Locked out from the Federal Government's COVID Disaster Payment, she says she is forced to survive on $310 a week.
The beauty therapist is from Melbourne and has lost 30 hours of work a week as the city wades through its fifth lockdown since the start of the pandemic.
READ MORE: What you need to know about Victoria's extended lockdown
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A person can only claim the $600 COVID Disaster Payment if lockdown enters a fourth week and has lost 20 hours or more a week. Today
Speaking to Today, Ms Pucci said she's constantly stressed about how she will get by.
"It's been really stressful, and I'm scared, and I'm worried and I'm frustrated," she said.
"There's been a lot of tears...I'm constantly wondering how am I going to manage this and why can we not get any help from the government?"
She urged the Federal Government to reconsider the eligibility criteria surrounding the COVID relief payment.
Currently, a person can only claim the $600 COVID Disaster Payment if lockdown enters a fourth week and has lost 20 hours or more a week.
Calls to revive JobKeeper are growing louder as more than 13.7 million Australians wake up in lockdown this morning.. Supplied
All Ms Pucci is currently eligible for is the maximum amount of JobSeeker, which is about $310 per week.
"I need the government to support me. I'm locked down and I can't work," she said.
"They have taken away my ability to earn an income. And we're doing the right thing. Staying inside and doing our part, but we need some support to do that.
"My message would be, please, consider changing the eligibility criteria. And don't forget about us. Don't push us to the side but please help us."
Melbourne's lockdown has been extended by another week as health authorities combat an outbreak of the Delta COVID strain. (Jason South. The Age). Nine
Ms Pucci's plea comes as more than 13.7 million Australians wake up in lockdown as NSW, Victoria and South Australia grapple with outbreaks of the highly-infectious Delta strain.
Ms Pucci said her two children Claire and Scarlett are also feeling the effects of lockdown, which yesterday was extended for another seven days.
"It is hard on them. They miss their friends and they're much happier at school and being at home is really challenging for them," she said.
If you're struggling during this difficult time, there is 24/7 support available via the Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 4636 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au.
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