Services Australia (previously known as Centrelink) have recently announced a support payment for individuals who cannot work as a result of self-isolation due to COVID-19.
The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is a payment of $750 for each 7 day period where you have been told to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID, or due to caring for someone who has COVID.
So for example if an individual is required to self-isolate on 2 separate occasions, they can make a claim for a $750 payment for each occasion.
The payment is taxable income so it will need to be included in your tax return. It will also need to be reported to Services Australia if you get family tax benefits or child care subsidies, as well as Child Support assessments.
For periods of self-isolation or quarantine before 10 January 2022, a health official must directly inform you that you have COVID-19 or the person you’re caring for (including your child) in order to qualify for the payment. From 10 January 2022 onwards, you’ll need to have either advice of a positive test from a clinic or health professional (PCR or RAT), or evidence you’ve registered a positive result from a home administered RAT.
