Morrison Government Announces Extension to JobSeeker and JobKeeper Packages

The Morrison Government have extended and made some amendments to both JobSeeker and JobKeeper subsidies in a press conference today.and the eligibility criteria. The subsidies payment dates have been extended until March 2021 with some amended eligibility criteria.  

From October 2020 until end of December 2020 the subsidies payment will be: JobKeeper: $1,200 per fortnight for those who work 20 hours or greater per week. For those working less than 20 hours per week it will be $750. JobSeeker: Covid supplement will be reduced to $250 per fortnight until end of year. This makes the total payment $800 per fortnight.  

From January 2021 until end of March 2021 the subsidies payment will be: JobKeeper: $1,000 per fortnight for those who work 20 hours or greater per week. For those working less than 20 hours per week it will be $650. JobSeeker: The Covid supplement is yet to be announced.    

Eligibility Criteria There has also been changes to the eligibility requirements for these subsidies to ensure that the funds are well targeted. These changes are;  

JobKeeper

• Has a new turnover test implemented and a part-time rate for casuals
• Businesses must re-qualify each quarter to prove they are still 30% or more down in turnover
• They will also need to prove they have met the decline in EACH of the previous quarters to continue receiving the payments going forward
  
  

  JobSeeker

• Increasing income free area to $300 per fortnight without it affecting your JobSeeker
• From 4^th of August, you must apply for four jobs per month. This rate will increase from the end of September 2020
• The assets test will be reintroduced as will the waiting period requirements
• If you refuse a job then you will no longer be eligible to continue to receive JobSeeker. Scott Morrison has phrased this as a mutual obligation.
• Maintain eased restrictions around sole traders
  
  

  Please note these are the highlights as announced by Scott Morrison, the full detail is still yet to be announced.  

If you would like to read more, and follow the updates please use these links for JobKeeper and JobSeeker.