Coronavirus Update (COVID-19) Rebates and Grants

07 April 2020

The Federal and State Governments are providing a number of rebates and grants to support individuals and business throughout the coronovirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please read below specific areas of support.

The Victorian Government has launched the $500 million Business Support Fund to help small businesses survive the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-1) pandemic and keep people in work. Funding of up to $10,000 per business is available and will be allocated through a grant process. Eligibility and criteria will need to be met. Read more information

Temporary cash flow support is available to small and medium businesses and not-for-profit organisations that employ staff during the economic downturn associated with coronavirus. This will be done through two sets of cash flow boosts delivered from 28 April 2020 to support employers to retain employees. Tax-free cash flow boosts of between $20,000 and $100,000 to eligible businesses, delivered through credits in the activity statement system, when eligible businesses lodge their activity statements. Visit the Australian Taxation Office for more information

Council understands the stress that many members of the community are experiencing right now. Council has therefore placed a hold on all penalty interest charged to rates until at least 30 June 2020. For those residents receiving the new jobseeker allowance, Council will be providing relief in the way of a $200 waiver of your rates. This waiver will be provided by way of application. Read more information 

The JobKeeper payment is intended to provide wage subsidies to businesses that are significantly affected by COVID-19. The JobKeeper payment ensures eligible employers remain connected to their workforce and will help businesses restart quickly when the crisis is over. Read more information

Over the next six months, the Government is temporarily expanding eligibility to income support payments and establishing a new, time-limited Coronavirus supplement to be paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight. This will be paid to both existing and new recipients of JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance Jobseeker, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit. Read more information

Two separate $750 payments are available to social security, veteran and other income support recipients and eligible concession card holders. The first payment will be made from 31 March 2020 and the second payment will be made from 13 July 2020. Around half of those that benefit are pensioners. This payment will help to support confidence and domestic demand in the economy. The second payment will not be made to those eligible for the Coronavirus supplement. Read more information

On 2 April 2020, the Australian Government announced the new Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package. From Monday 6 April 2020 weekly payments will be made directly to early childhood education and care services in lieu of the Child Care Subsidy and the Additional Child Care Subsidy. Read more information 

Superannuation

From mid-April, eligible individuals will be able to apply online through myGov to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation before 1 July 2020. They will also be able to access up to a further $10,000 from 1 July 2020 until 24 September 2020. Individuals will not need to pay tax on amounts released and the money they withdraw will not affect Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payments. Read more information

Utility Relief Grant Scheme

Low-income residents who are struggling to pay overdue energy or water bills may be able to access this relief grant. The grant provides help to pay mains electricity, gas or water bill that is overdue due to a temporary financial crisis. The amount of the grant is based on the amount owed at the time of application and the reason you require this grant. For more information telephone your electricity, gas or water supplier or the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521.