Expanded eligibility for job seeker payment for sole traders

24 June 2020

Eligible sole traders will be granted access to the job seeker allowance, which now includes an additional coronavirus supplement of $550 per fortnight for the next six months.

The standard waiting periods and asset tests will be waived to allow quicker access to these payments. Individuals will still be able to keep operating their businesses and earn up to $1,075 per fortnight before their payments are affected. On 30 March, it was announced that the income test for partners of jobseekers will be increased from $48,000 to $79,762 to provide greater access.

Eligibility

  • Sole traders
  • Self-employed
  • Contract workers who meet income tests
  • Casual workers.

Benefit

  • Jobseeker payment without having to apply for jobs
  • Plus supplement of $550 per fortnight for a limited period
  • Reduced means testing
  • Reduced waiting period.

How:

  • Applications through Centrelink channels from 27 April
  • Centrelink are improving resources to deal with overload
  • Logic suggests if you have no income already, and no resources, Centrelink should be your first port of call immediately. Read more

When will it be received? After your application has been approved via the Services Australia website.

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