Applying for a new benefit – impacted by COVID-19

Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for a number of payments. You may have been stood down, made redundant, or have had your hours significantly reduced. It’s also possible that you’ve needed to stop working to care for someone.


Also, if you’re unable to work, are in isolation or hospital, or you need to care for children as a result of COVID-19, you may also be eligible to apply for a payment for a period of time.


Ordinarily, most benefits and concession cards have either an income test, and assets test, or both, to determine your eligibility. However, if you apply for a social security benefit or concession card and your claim is related to COVID-19, some of the ordinary eligibility rules may be waived for approximately six months. Also, if you’re an employee, and you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or are in isolation, you may be eligible for an income support payment if you are not also accessing employer leave entitlements, or income protection policy benefits.


If you’re a sole trader or you’re self-employed you may also be eligible for a payment if your business has been suspended or turnover has reduced significantly

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