Aussies are urged to cash in on $1,500 cash handout before the incentive ends – here’s how to find out if you’re eligible for the payment as Sydney cluster forces people to self-isolate
Thousands of Australians across the nation are eligible for the federal government's $1,500 coronavirus pandemic leave disaster payment.
Aussies have been urged to cash in on the incentive before the scheme ends, with $18million given out so far during the pandemic.
The one-off lump sum payment is available to eligible workers unable to earn an income because they've been ordered by health authorities to self-isolate for two weeks due to close contact with an infected case.
Those who need to care for a loved one with COVID-19 are also eligible for the cash.
Australian have been encouraged to to cash in on the federal government's pandemic leave disaster payment. Pictured: queues at Centrelink in Flemington in Match
The financial relief is available to workers aged 17 and older who don't have access to personal, care or pandemic sick leave.
$16million of the funds has gone to Victorians, with residents from all states and territories except the Northern Territory eligible for the payment.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged NSW residents effected by the Northern Beaches outbreak to sign up for the payment.
'So in NSW for those who need to access that payment they can access that payment and hopefully that will be of great use to you,' he said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison urged NSW residents effected by the Northern Beaches coronavirus outbreak to sign up for the payment
Eligible workers in NSW must show they're been ordered by health authorities to self-isolate or quarantine for 14 days on or since September 17 - and prove a loss of income.
Parents caring for a child under the age of 16 with coronavirus or advised to self-isolate for 14 days are also eligible.
For couples, both parties can claim the $1500 payment.
More than 12,000 claims on the payment have been granted since August 6.
The $1500 payment is eligible to workers who are ordered to self-isolate for two weeks and lose income or those caring for a loved one with COVID-19. Pictured: pedestrians wear face masks in Sydney on Monday