Coronavirus Supplement extended to 31 December

The Australian Government’s support for the Australian community through the coronavirus pandemic continues with the extension of the Coronavirus Supplement to 31 December 2020.

The current payment rate of $550 per fortnight will be changed to $250 per fortnight from 25 September to the end of the calendar year.

The Coronavirus Supplement is paid to new and existing recipients of certain Services Australia payments such as JobSeeker and Youth Allowance, as well as certain DVA Education Schemes recipients.

Students who receive Veterans’ Children Education Scheme and MRCA Education and Training Scheme payments at similar rates to students on Youth Allowance receive the Coronavirus Supplement. This includes students aged 16 and over receiving education allowance at any rate, and those receiving education allowance at the living away from home, homeless or double orphan rate.

The Coronavirus Supplement will continue to be automatically added to existing eligible students’ regular payments, and will be applied to the payments of any new eligible recipients.

DVA’s education allowance is not subject to income testing. For Services Australia clients, the Coronavirus Supplement will remain outside of changes being made to income tests for the JobSeeker Payment and Youth Allowance (other). Those eligible for the Coronavirus Supplement will receive the full rate of the Supplement. 

Changes to the JobKeeper Payment may mean some employees become eligible for the JobSeeker Payment or other income support payments. The Government is making further changes to income support arrangements for JobKeeper Payment recipients who transition onto income support.

More information:

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