ANMF COVID-19 Newsflash: Private Sector Commonwealth Pandemic Payment

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) advises members of changes to the Commonwealth payments for COVID-19. Previously, workers who (in 2021) were unable to attend work due to Public Health Orders could access a payment that were tiered according to the number of hours each week. This is no longer available; workers can access the Pandemic Leave Disaster payment if they are required to self-isolate or quarantine (or provide care to someone who is required to do so) due to COVID-19.

This payment is a one-off payment of:

$750 for a 7-day period if you will lose 20 or more hours of work
$450 if you will lose less than 20 hours of work but more than 8hours.

A second application may be made if a person is required to isolate or quarantine for a longer period. Please note that as of 30 December 2021, a close contact is generally someone who lives with or has spent more than 4 hours in a household with a COVID-19 positive person.

Unfortunately, if you have paid personal leave entitlements available, you will not be eligible for this payment until those entitlements have been exhausted.

Who can access the payment?
You are eligible for this payment if you are a worker who:

Cannot earn income due to a requirement to self-isolate or quarantine because you have COVID-19; or have been a close contact of someone who does (having been directed to isolate by a public health official); or is caring for a child who has COVID-19 or is a close contact of someone who does
Is aged above 17 years old;
Lives in a state or territory;
Is an Australian resident or holds an eligible working visa;
Has no entitlement to relevant paid leave or has exhausted their entitlement
Hasn’t received income or income support during the period
Are losing greater than 8 hours of work per week

What can I use as proof of COVID-19?
On and from 10 January 2022, a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is acceptable submittable evidence of COIVD-19, provided the result has been registered with the relevant health authority. If you register a positive RAT on the Tasmanian webpage, you will be sent evidence of your positive status which you can use as evidence with your employer. PCR tests can also be submitted as evidence.

Is the payment means tested?
From 18 January 2022, persons with $10,000 available to them (e.g. in bank deposits) will no longer be eligible for the payment. More information, and claim forms, will be found here. Please note, the above information pertains to the Commonwealth payment available. Information regarding the payment from the Tasmanian Government can be found here.

READ THE PDF VERSION HERE

Updates correct as at 17 January 2022.
Authorised by Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary

ASSISTANCE & SUPPORT

Member Support Team: The ANMF Tasmanian Branch is 8000 plus members strong! Supporting nurses, midwives, and care workers as the only union in Tasmania employing nurses and care workers to represent members. This is why our Organisers and Member Support Team are uniquely positioned to understand your experiences, represent you in your workplace, and offer industrial advice that’s relevant to you. Please contact our Member Support Team if you need workplace support, would like to discuss any matters or raise a concern. Alternatively, you can send an email outlining your concerns to our team - membersupport@anmftas.org.au. Email is the preferred and fastest way of contacting the team, however if your matter is urgent, please phone (03) 6223 6777 or 1800 001 241 if you are outside of Hobart.

Member Support Team

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