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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Assistance

Please note that while we update our lists of available grants regularly, this is not a comprehensive list and closing dates and details should be verified using the links provided as they are subject to change by the providers without notice.

SBS is providing an online portal that will provide the latest news on the health and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic in Australia, as well as features explaining government policy and health advice in 63 languages.

Support for Individuals

Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Grant Value: Up to $50 Run By: NSW Government Further Information: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/energy-accounts-payment-assistance-eapa-scheme

If you're having difficulty paying your household energy bill because of a short-term financial crisis or emergency, such as unexpected medical bills, or reduced income due to COVID-19, you could be eligible for Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) $50 vouchers.

Last Updated: 16th of October 2022
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Tax Deduction for Working From Home Grant Run By: Australian Taxation Office Further Information: https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Income-and-deductions/Deductions-you-can-claim/Home-office-expenses/

If you’re an employee who works from home, you may be able to claim a deduction for expenses relating to that work to cover:

  • Running Expenses
  • Occupancy Expenses
  • Phone and Internet Expenses

Please note that this information is general in nature only, and may not apply to your individual situation.

This 'shortcut method' is available for the 1st of March 2020 to 30 June 2021 only.

Last Updated: 16th of October 2022
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JobTrainer Program Run By: Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment Further Information: https://www.myskills.gov.au/jobtrainer/NSW?js=8

The new $1 billion JobTrainer program will provide up to an additional 340,700 training places to help school leavers and job seekers access short and long courses to develop new skills in growth sectors and create a pathway to more qualifications.

Courses will be free or low cost in areas of identified need, with the Federal Government providing $500 million with matched contributions from state and territory governments.

Last Updated: 16th of October 2022
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High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment Grant Closes: Ongoing Value: $450 to $750 Run By: Services Australia Further Information: https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=ce420621-87bb-4aa4-92ad-1b3c318fcd6f

The High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment is to provide lump sum financial assistance to limit the financial hardship of eligible individuals working in high risk settings who are, or were, unable to work and earn an income as a result of having tested positive with COVID-19.

The High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment grant program commences on 15 October 2022 and replaces the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment that ends on 14 October 2022. The High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment supports eligible workers in high-risk settings to not attend work for a seven day period of workplace exclusion if they test positive to COVID-19, in order to mitigate the risk of infection within the high-risk setting.

The amount of High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment that is payable is determined by the number of hours the person would have worked during their period of workplace exclusion due to testing positive with COVID-19. All eligible people who test positive with COVID-19 on or after 00:01am, 15 October 2022 and are excluded from work in a high-risk setting for 7 days, will receive:

  • $750 if they would have worked 20 hours or more; or
  • $450 if they would have worked a full day or at least 8 hours and up to 20 hours of work.

Only one payment can be claimed for each period of infection.

For the purposes of High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment, a “high-risk setting” means a setting or workplace in which the person works that involves close personal care and support services involving frequent close contact in the following settings:

  • Aged Care, including home care that involves close personal care and support services involving frequent close contact.
  • Disability care, including disability home care that involves close personal care and support services involving frequent close contact.
  • Aboriginal healthcare, including workforce employed by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, community health care, Aboriginal drug and alcohol services and support services involving frequent close contact.
  • Hospital care, including day hospitals and smaller facilities, paramedical, ambulance, patient transport and support services involving frequent close contact.

The number of times a person can receive a High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment will be capped at three in a six month period. The payment count will start from 1 July and take into consideration any prior claims, including previous Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment claims from this date.

Last Updated: 16th of October 2022
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Jobs Hub Program Run By: Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment Further Information: https://www.dese.gov.au/covid-19/jobs-hub

While many businesses have been adversely affected by COVID-19 and are reducing their workforces, there are some areas of the economy which have an increased demand for workers.

This includes jobs in health and care sectors, transport and logistics, some areas of retail, mining and mining services, manufacturing, agriculture and government sectors, among others.

Last Updated: 13th of October 2022
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Support for Businesses

Payroll Tax Concessions Grant Closes: Ongoing Run By: NSW Government Department of Revenue Further Information: https://www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/news-media-releases/covid-19-tax-relief-measures/covid-19-coronavirus-and-payroll-tax

Payroll tax customers have the option of deferring their payroll tax payments until 14 January 2022. All customers are still required to lodge the 2020/21 annual reconciliation by the due date which has been extended to 14 January 2022. In addition, customers have the option of deferring their monthly payments for the July to December 2021 return periods until 14 January 2022.

From 13 December 2021, customers will be able to establish a Support Payment Arrangement for up to 12 months. The plan will be interest free and customers will have the option to include tax payable from the 2020/21 annual reconciliation and any monthly liabilities for July to December 2021 return periods.

The initiative also includes a 50% reduction in 2021/22 payroll tax liability for business with grouped Australian wages of $10 million or less who experience a 30 per cent decline in turnover.

Last Updated: 16th of October 2022
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ATO Support Program Run By: Australian Taxation Office Further Information: https://www.ato.gov.au/General/COVID-19/Additional-support-during-COVID-19/

The ATO are also offering tailored support for your needs and circumstances on a case-by-case basis. They do not apply these additional relief options automatically, so you need to contact the ATO. Assistance includes:

  • Payment deferrals
  • Changing your GST reporting cycle
  • Vary pay as you go instalments
  • Remitting interest and penalties
  • Low interest payment plans
Last Updated: 16th of October 2022
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Business Connect Program Run By: NSW Government Further Information: https://www.business.nsw.gov.au/support-for-business/businessconnect

Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start or grow your small business and are running a series of specialised free webinars to provide additional support.

Last Updated: 16th of October 2022
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Past Assistance and Programs

Past Assistance For Individuals

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment ClosedGrant Run By: Services Australia Further Information: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/pandemic-leave-disaster-payment

Provides a lump sum financial assistance to limit the financial hardship for eligible individuals who are unable to earn an income having been informed by a health official in the state they live and/or work to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19.

Claimants are required to complete an application by telephone or by submitting a completed claim form by fax to Services Australia. The easiest way to claim is over the phone.

A claim will be assessed by Services Australia against the eligibility criteria before making payment and claimants will be notified by letter if their claim has been granted or rejected.

Where requested, a claimant may also need to provide evidence of meeting the eligibility criteria for the payment.

Services Australia makes every effort to process claims as quickly as possible. Depending on individual circumstances, payments can be released in real time to the claimant’s Australian bank account.

Last Updated: 16th of October 2022
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COVID-19 Disaster Payment ClosedGrant Closes: Ongoing Value: Up to $750 per week Run By: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs Further Information: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/covid-19-disaster-payment-new-south-wales

Provides a lump sum financial assistance to limit the financial hardship for eligible individuals who are unable to work and earn an income in an area under a state public health order for a lockdown that is greater than seven days and is a determined Commonwealth hotspot.

Last Updated: 12th of October 2022
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Dine and Discover NSW ClosedGrant Closed: 30th of June 2022 Value: Up to $100 Run By: NSW Government Further Information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/dine-discover-nsw/application-for-vouchers

Under this initiative NSW residents aged 18 and over can receive four $25 vouchers to use at participating businesses, including:

  • Two $25 vouchers to be used for eating in restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs.
  • Two $25 vouchers to be used for entertainment and recreation, including cultural institutions, live music and arts venues.

To receive the vouchers, residents need to have the Service NSW app and register for a MyServiceNSW account.

Last Updated: 27th of August 2021
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Support for Homeowners Financially Affected by COVID-19 ClosedProgram Closes: Ongoing Run By: NSW Government Further Information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/financial-support/homeowners

The NSW Government has compiled a guide to assist people with home loans who are owner-occupiers that are experiencing financial difficulties due to the impact of COVID-19.

The site includes information about

  • Speaking to your lender
  • Changing the terms of your homeloan
  • Deffering payments
  • What to do if you default on your home loan
  • Debt agreements and bankruptcy
  • Help with managing your finances
  • Mental health support and legal advice
Last Updated: 27th of August 2021
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A Hold on Evictions for Renters ClosedProgram Run By: Australian and NSW Governments Further Information: https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/publications/coronavirus-covid-19/property/moratorium

Evictions have been put on hold for commercial and residential tenancies in financial distress, who are unable to meet their commitments due to the impact of the coronavirus. Commercial tenants, landlords and financial institutions are encouraged to talk about short term agreements.

The Government has also announced a mandatory code of conduct for commercial tenancies to support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) affected by the coronavirus.

Last Updated: 20th of July 2021
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Past Assistance for Businesses

The COVID-19 Aged Care Support Program Extension ClosedGrant Closed: 30th of June 2022 - 2:00 pm (extended) Value: Unspecified Run By: Australian Government Department of Health Further Information: https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=410cfd78-dacf-4668-a14c-d4f25d4a410d

The COVID-19 Aged Care Support Program Extension will reimburse eligible aged care providers for eligible expenditure incurred on managing direct impacts of COVID-19. The Program will run over 1 year in 2021-22. The Program will assist Residential Aged Care, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program and Home Care Package providers that are subject to direct COVID-19 impacts, to deliver continuity of safe quality care for consumers.

Eligible applicants can apply for funding for each impacted service for the periods between the date on which the resident, staff member or client is tested for COVID-19 and the date on which direct COVID-19 impacts are resolved (i.e. no infected or isolated residents, staff members or clients). 

Last Updated: 20th of April 2022
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COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program - Round Three ClosedGrant Closed: 20th of April 2022 - 5:00 pm Value: $7,500 to $90,000 Run By: Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) Further Information: https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=e268d357-32b2-4e8d-91eb-11bdd2144f0c

Round Three of Consumer Travel Support Program (the Program) will provide a payment for travel agents and inbound tour operators and tour wholesalers (tour arrangement service providers consistent with ANZSIC code 7220), and to eligible businesses severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The objectives and intended outcomes of Round Three of the Program are to further assist previous grantees and eligible businesses that have received a payment under Round Two, Multi-outlet, or both. There is also a new stream for eligible new businesses who established and commenced operations between 01/01/2019 and 31/03/20 (inclusive).

Last Updated: 9th of April 2022
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2022 Small Business Support Program ClosedGrant Closed: 31st of March 2022 Value: $500 to $5,000 Run By: NSW Government Further Information: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-2022-small-business-support-program

If you’re a business, sole trader or not-for-profit organisation in NSW and you've been impacted by the Omicron wave of COVID-19, you may be eligible for a payment under the 2022 Small Business Support Program.

The program provides cash flow support to help eligible businesses survive the impacts of COVID-19 and maintain their NSW employee headcount.

If you’re an employing business, the payment will be equivalent to 20% of weekly payroll for work performed in NSW:

  • minimum payment will be $750 per week
  • maximum payment will be $5,000 per week.

Weekly payroll should be determined by referring to the calculations underlying the most recent Business Activity Statement (BAS) provided to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for a tax period that falls within the 2021–22 financial year.

If you’re a non-employing business, such as a sole trader, you may be eligible to receive a payment of $500 per week.

Last Updated: 26th of February 2022
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NSW Performing Arts Relaunch Package ClosedGrant Closed: 30th of April 2022 - 5:00 pm Value: Based on value of tickets Run By: NSW Government Further Information: https://www.create.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/nsw-performing-arts-relaunch-package/

The aim of this package is to relaunch the performing arts sector in line with the NSW Government roadmap to recovery. This package is an extension of the original Performing Arts COVID Support Package that was designed to support the sector while in lockdown.

This new package is designed to assist the sector to relaunch by providing certainty and confidence as audiences return to theatres and other performance venues. Funding will cover eligible performances from 19 September 2021 to 30 April 2022

Last Updated: 14th of February 2022
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Support for the Creative Arts Sector ClosedGrant Closed: 14th of February 2022 Ongoing Value: Calculated based on ticket price, number of tickets and a specified percentage Run By: Create NSW Further Information: https://www.create.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/nsw-performing-arts-covid-support-package/

The aim of this package is to provide urgent financial support to performing arts venues, producers and promoters impacted by the cancellation or postponement of performances resulting from the NSW Government COVID-19 Public Health Orders from 26 June 2021.

The package is also designed to provide certainty to performing arts venues, producers and promoters of what assistance will be available if further COVID-19 Public Health Orders result in further cancellation of performances or restrictions in audience numbers.

Last Updated: 16th of January 2022
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Past Assistance for Communities

COVID-19 Aboriginal Community Response Grants ClosedGrant Closed: 19th of November 2021 - 5:00 pm Value: $1,000 to $10,000 Run By: Aboriginal Affairs NSW Further Information: https://www.aboriginalaffairs.nsw.gov.au/grants/covid-19-aboriginal-community-response-grants-program/

This program provides grants to meet the health and well-being needs of Aboriginal people across NSW in response to the impact of COVID-19.

 
The program aims to support:

  • activities that limit the movement of Aboriginal people outside their homes and ensure this movement is COVID safe, to minimise the risk of transmission.
  • the provision of trauma informed, culturally appropriate, local community based social and emotional well-being support for Aboriginal people impacted by COVID-19.
  • Aboriginal people’s access to accurate and timely information regarding COVID-19 and its impacts.

Applications will be accepted at any time during the opening period and the assessment panel will meet weekly.

Applicants can apply more than once if a separate need has been identified.

Last Updated: 25th of September 2021
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Relief for Council Not-for-Profit Lesees - Armidale Regional Council ClosedGrant Run By: Armidale Regional Council Further Information: https://www.armidaleregional.nsw.gov.au/news/news-2020/relief-for-ratepayers-and-not-for-profit-lessees-available-now-from-council

Armidale Regional Council is offering immediate relief to to not-for-profit organisations renting property from Council.

Last Updated: 11th of February 2021
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COVID Community Support Grants ClosedGrant Closed: 29th of January 2021 Value: Up to $5,000 Run By: Multicultural NSW Further Information: https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/grants

This funding aims to support a broad range of culturally, linguistically, and religiously diverse stakeholders who are looking for ways to continue or start community programs to provide food, transport and language support to vulnerable cohorts.

Applications must address how they are providing one of the following:

  • Immediate community care support – to provide culturally appropriate care to vulnerable and isolated people. This includes programs that focus on seniors, mental health and building community connection.
  • Overcoming language barriers - to enable volunteer and charitable organisations to overcome language and cultural barriers to connect with essential support services available to the community during COVID-19.

 

Last Updated: 13th of January 2021
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COVID19 - Aged Care Support Program ClosedGrant Closed: 31st of May 2021 - 2:00 pm Run By: Australian Government Department of Health Further Information: https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=068A9519-03B3-6B9E-7B61-126A5ABA12C1

The COVID-19 Aged Care Support Program will reimburse eligible aged care providers for eligible expenditure incurred on managing direct impacts of COVID-19. The Program will run over 2 years from 2019-20 to 2020-21. The Program will assist Residential Aged Care, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program and Home Care Package providers that are subject to direct COVID-19 impacts, to deliver continuity of safe quality care.

Last Updated: 2nd of November 2020
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