COVID-19 Tenant Support
Financial Assistance Support and Services
If you have suddenly found yourself out of work or on reduced hours due to Coronavirus you may struggle to meet your financial obligations including rent and other household bills.
The first point of contact if you are worried about meeting your rent obligations is your Property Manager. Please contact our office as soon as possible and talk to your Property Manager – we may be able to work out a payment plan or direct you to financial support services.
We’ve put together a list of support services which may be able to assist you during this period.
Centrelink Payment and Support Services
You may be entitled to claim Jobseeker payment or other services. Centrelink have an online Payment and Services Finder tool which will automatically find and calculate all payments and services that you may be eligible to apply for.
Coronavirus Supplement
The Government has announced a Coronavirus supplement of an extra $550 per fortnight in addition to the regular payment for new and existing income support recipients. This will automatically be paid to eligible recipients from 27 April, 2020 for a six month period.
Waiting periods have also been reduced and reporting obligations have been relaxed to assist with faster processing.
Centrelink Payment & Services Finder
Government Stimulus Package
The Federal Government is making a $750 one-off cash payment to people receiving the certain payments from Centrelink. Some of these include:
Newstart Allowance
Family Tax Benefit
Pension or Social Security payment.
If you currently receive one of the above benefit payments you will automatically be paid the $750 payment from as soon as 31 March, 2020.
A second round of economic support payments has also been announced. A further $750 cash payment will be paid to eligible recipients from 10 July, 2020.
Contact your Super Fund
The Government is allowing individuals affected by Coronavirus to access up to $10,000 of your superannuation in 2019-2020 and a further $10,000 in 2020-2021.
Please view the Fact Sheet below for eligibility requirements.
Fact Sheet – Early Access To Superannuation
You may be entitled to make a Worker’s Compensation Claim
If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and can prove that you were exposed to the virus from your work environment you may be entitled to Worker’s Compensation.
Workers Compensation Information
If you have Income Protection Insurance
You may be able to make a claim on your Income Protection Insurance. If you have an Income Protection Insurance policy contact your insurer immediately to find out if you are covered in the event that you have lost your job.
Contact your utility provider
Call your provider and ask about financial hardship. They may be able to work out a payment plan or apply emergency utility vouchers.
Home Energy Assistance Scheme Information
Consider a low-interest loan
There is a no interest loan scheme for people on a Health Care Card/Pension Card or earn less than $45,000 or $60,000 for couples or people with dependants. If eligible you can apply for a loan of between $300 and $1,200 for 12-18 months – giving you time to get back on your feet as Coronavirus concerns die down.
No Interest Loan Scheme Information
Free Financial Counselling Service
Talk to a Financial Counsellor free of charge. They may be able to assist you with further financial assistance schemes and help you understand your rights and obligations during this difficult period.
Sole Traders & Small Business Operators
If you are a sole trader or run a small business, there are a number of financial incentive and relief schemes that have been implemented by the Federal Government. These include loans with a 12 month interest-free period and Payroll Tax relief.
You may also be eligible to apply for Jobseeker payment from Centrelink if your annual turnover has reduced by more than 20% as a result of Coronavirus.
Centrelink Payment & Services Finder
The Government is allowing individuals affected by Coronavirus to access up to $10,000 of your superannuation in 2019-2020 and a further $10,000 in 2020-2021. This includes sole traders & small business owners who have had their business suspended or there was a reduction in turnover of 20% or more.
Please view the Fact Sheet below for eligibility requirements.
Fact Sheet – Early Access To Superannuation
Business Loan Deferral
In response to the ongoing situation Banks have announced they can implement a 6 month deferral on business loan repayments for small business owners who may find themselves in financial difficulty during this period. Contact your bank directly to discuss eligibility.
Small Business Support
Small businesses impacted by Coronavirus may be eligible for governement loans to maintain operations. Click below to find out more information.