Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment

The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment ended on 14 October 2022. Those who work in a high-risk setting and can’t earn income because they’ve tested positive for COVID-19 may be eligible for High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment.

High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment

High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment (HRSPP) is a lump sum payment. It is to help you during the time you can’t work and earn an income, because you have tested positive for COVID-19. To be eligible, you must meet all of the following:

  • you have not claimed or been paid HRSPP or Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment for any day since testing positive to COVID-19
  • work in a high-risk setting
  • have no paid leave entitlements available
  • have lost at least 8 hours or a full day’s work
  • have liquid assets of less than $10,000 on the first day of the period you’re claiming for
  • haven’t exceeded the claiming limit
  • all other eligibility for this payment.

For more information about the payment, visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/high-risk-settings-pandemic-payment.

Union members strengthen workers’ rights

No one should have to choose between isolating with COVID or putting food on the table. That’s why workers in unions campaigned to create and protect paid pandemic leave.

When the Federal Government announced paid pandemic leave would end in the middle of winter 2022, union members stood up and successfully pressured the government to restore the leave.

Being a part of your union benefits your health and safety. The evidence shows that having a union health and safety representative at work leads to better reporting of health and safety risks. 

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