Huge changes to Centrelink Covid payments as virus surges across Australia

Changes to the government’s Covid-19 pandemic leave disaster payment come into effect today for those who have to self isolate or quarantine because of the virus.

The weekly payments will be reduced from $750 to $450 for people doing 19 hours or less of work per week, and will be removed it entirely for those doing under eight.

A financial hardship test has also been introduced, which will mean anyone with $10,000 available and accessible to them will not get the payment. 

Rapid antigen tests can also be used as proof that you’ve been infected with the virus, and therefore eligible for the payment.

The pandemic leave disaster payment is available for those who have been told to self-isolate or quarantine.

Australians who can’t earn an income or are caring for someone with COVID-19 are eligible.

Centrelink will not automatically give you the payment if you enter self-isolation or quarantine.

This means individuals have to apply for it for each seven-day period they are isolating.

Australians can apply through the MyGov website, or by calling Centrelink on 180 22 66.

Australian Council of Social Service CEO Cassandra Goldie said the changes were ‘dreadful penny pinching’ from the federal government,

‘Not only do people need to deal with the stress of contracting the virus and worry of transmitting it to their loved ones, but many will also now receive less or no income support because of this,’ she said.

‘Rather than cutting the payment at the height of the pandemic, we urge the government to expand it.’

Dr Goldie says one-in-four people on income support are working paid jobs but would not qualify for the payment if they caught COVID.

‘It should also be extended to people who receive income support if they test positive to COVID, must look after a loved one with COVID or are a close contact and must isolate.’

ACOSS also wants the removal of the liquid assets tests and a doubling of the timeframe applicants can claim their support to 28 days.

Her comments come as some Australians criticise the application process as being overly complicated. 

Daisy Hooper, 23, who was recently struck down with the virus, was forced to wait 12-days for the payment, while isolating from her casual marketing job.

Daisy Hooper, who works as a casual at a marketing agency, described the process of applying for the pandemic leave disaster payment as ‘confusing’  

‘As someone who works in marketing and being pretty good with computers, I found the whole process really confusing,’ Hooper told the ABC.

‘Nothing really makes sense to me with all the changes every day; it’s not rational,’ Ms Hooper said. ‘It’s a bit ridiculous that [the government] thinks they’re being clear and concise to people.’

However Minister for Emergency Management Bridget McKenzie said the changes would ensure the payment remained targeted and available for those who need it most.