Services Australia has advised that COVID-19 Disaster Payments are phasing out in the ACT and NSW. This is because the vaccination rate in the 2 jurisdictions has reached 70%. As of 8 October 2021, 70% of people 16 years or older in ACT have had 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. For individuals who claimed the payment in the ACT, their last relevant period for automatic payments was 1 to 7 October 2021.
As of 7 October 2021, 70% of people 16 years or older in NSW have had 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. For those who claimed for parts of Sydney, their last relevant period for automatic payments was 7 to 11 October 2021. For those in Greater Sydney or other areas of NSW, their last relevant period for automatic payments was 3 to 9 October 2021.
For those still affected by movement restrictions, it is necessary to reapply for COVID-19 Disaster Payment each week to determine eligibility.
Further changes at 80% threshold
When 80% of people 16 years or older in a State or Territory are fully vaccinated with 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, Services Australia advises that the COVID-19 Disaster Payment will reduce over 2 weeks. Those who may be eligible for ongoing support will have re-apply on a weekly basis.
[Tax Month – October 2021 – Previous Tax Month; LTN 198, 17.10.21; LTN 197, 13/10/21]