Coronavirus: what are your financial support options?

The coronavirus crisis has far reaching impacts. Here, we discuss government financial support options to help ease the burden many are facing.

| More on:
a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) stocks are down. Market uncertainty abounds. Some businesses are closing or suspending their services. Money is tight.

Given these circumstances, what are people's options who find themselves out of work or having hours reduced?

First, it is important to know that if you are experiencing financial hardship, there is support available to help you during the coronavirus pandemic. The government is announcing new measures to support workers, businesses, and families almost daily.

To read the latest information about these measures, you can visit the Treasury's dedicated coronavirus page.

We've pulled out some of the key points below.

Extra income support payments

There will be a temporary fortnightly $550 coronavirus supplement for eligible people, which is on top of any other income support payments that you are already entitled to. However, this $550 fortnightly payment doesn't begin until 27 April 2020.

There will also be a crisis payment if you are required to self-isolate, are in severe financial hardship, and you cannot receive an income support payment.

Additionally, income support eligibility will be expanded and applications made easier to claim.

For example, you will be eligible for government financial assistance if you are a permanent employee who has been stood down or lost your job; a sole trader, self-employed, a casual or contract worker whose income has reduced; or if you are caring for someone who is affected by the coronavirus.

It is important to note that from 20 March 2020, the JobSeeker Payment has replaced the Newstart Allowance as the main income support payment for recipients aged between 22 years to Age Pension qualification age who have capacity to work.

For more information on income support, please check out Treasury's fact sheet on income support for individuals

Household support payments

Services Australia (formerly the Department of Human Services) also reports that if you receive an eligible payment on any day from 12 March to 13 April, you will automatically receive a $750 Economic Support Payment. This $750 payment will roll out from the 31 March 2020 with 'most getting it by 17 April 2020.'

According to the Treasury, around half of those that benefit are pensioners. Further, the first payment will be made out to approximately 6.6 million social security, veteran and other income support recipients and eligible concession card holders.

There will be a second $750 payment from 13 July 2020 if you receive an eligible payment or have an eligible concession card on 10 July 2020.   

The Economic Support Payment is tax exempt.

For more information, you can visit Services Australia's page detailing the financial support measures for those affected by the coronavirus.

For information specifically about the first $750 Economic Support Payment, see this Services Australia page

You can also check the Treasury's fact sheet on payments to support households.  

Access up to $20,000 from your super

If you are suffering financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 fallout, you may be able to access up to $10,000 of your super in 2019–20 from mid-April. You can then re-apply to access a further $10,000 from your super in 2020–21.

You can apply for an early release of your super from mid-April by using the myGov website.

According to the Treasury, you "will not need to pay tax on amounts released and the money [you] withdraw will not affect Centrelink or Veterans' Affairs payments."

For more detailed information and eligibility criteria, you can check out the following Treasury fact sheet on early access to superannuation.

Financial support from states and territories

Each Australian state or territory will also have additional support measures in place during the coronavirus pandemic.

For example, if you are in Victoria you can check out the Victorian Premier's Emergency Relief Packages page for further information.

For NSW, the following Services NSW page lists more than 70 rebates and savings the NSW Government is offering to ease the cost of living during the coronavirus.

Foolish takeaway

No one will remain unaffected by the coronavirus. Everyone's daily lives have changed. From social distancing and movement restrictions to business closures and suspensions, every Australian feels the impact of the virus and its health and financial repercussions.

Yet we are all in this together and Motley Fool Australia will always strive to provide the best information and analysis in these challenging times.

Motley Fool contributor Kiryll Prakapenka has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Coronavirus News

Man with his hand on his face looking at a falling share price chart on a tablet.
Share Market News

ASX 200 stocks dive 2.4% in worst trading day since Ukraine crisis hit

It's not a good start to the week for the market.

Read more »

A woman looks nervous and uncertain holding a hand to her chin while looking at a paper cut out of a plane that she's holding in her other hand. representing the falling Air New Zealand share price today
Travel Shares

Borders just reopened so why is the Flight Centre (ASX:FLT) share price falling today?

Experts believe it may take several years for tourism levels to rebound to pre-pandemic numbers.

Read more »

A worker in hi vis gear holds his hand up saying no.
Coronavirus News

Own BHP (ASX:BHP) shares? Here's how the ASX 200 miner is battling COVID

Mining unions have not generally supported mandatory vaccinations.

Read more »

Female worker sitting desk with head in hand and looking fed up
Coronavirus News

Here's what Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) boss says is 'causing some challenges' right now

The Omicron variant is spreading in Western Australia.

Read more »

A man wearing a mask punches the air with joy after getting a negative COVID result on a rapid antigen test.
Coronavirus News

Why are ASX COVID test shares climbing today?

COVID-19 tests are in focus again today.

Read more »

a girl stands in an apple orchard holding two red apples in raised arms with a happy, celebratory look on her face with a large smile and a pretty country background to the picture.
Economy

CBA reveals the Australian economy's leading state amid COVID surge

The states and territories have all been impacted by the pandemic.

Read more »

Rapid Antigen Test taking place.
Share Market News

Why is Ellume hitting headlines today?

Brisbane-based diagnostics developer Ellume is back in the headlines.

Read more »

A woman looks quizzical as she looks at a graph of the share market.
Share Market News

Inghams (ASX:ING) share price sinks as Omicron bites

Inghams shares are down as COVID hurts its operations.

Read more »