The Government Is Giving Newstart And Youth Allowance Recipients An Extra $750 This Month
The payment will be available from March 31.
The government is handing out $750 cash bonuses to more than six million Aussies as part of their plan to stop the economy from going into the toilet during the coronavirus pandemic.
Those already receiving a government payment — that’s people on Newstart and Youth Allowance, a disability support pension, carers’ allowance, veterans, pensioners, and those receiving family tax benefits — will all be eligible for the one-off payment from March 31.
Casual workers who contract COVID-19, or have to self-isolate, will also be eligible for Newstart while out of work.
Might just bulk buy everything with it
— sopsie (@jjoshuadun) March 12, 2020
$750 buys 13 cases of Corona beer
— Jonathan Duhig (@JonDuhig) March 12, 2020
The typical wait time to access payments will be waived but the government says people will still need to wait about five days to allow for processing times.
People will also face an assets test before receiving the money.
There are fears COVID-19 could push Australia into a recession, and the government is hoping the cash payments will boost the economy. The payments are part of a huge economic stimulus package worth $17.6 billion.
It includes a $750 one-off payment to pensioners, low-income families, veterans & other income support recipients & eligible concession card holders. Payments will start from 31 Mar 2020 on a progressive basis, with most expected to be made by mid-April ➡ https://t.co/528cqc8Mgd
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) March 12, 2020
Earlier today The Greens also announced they will introduce a bill to provide 14 days paid sick leave to all workers, including casual employees, if they cannot work due to COVID-19.
The Australian Council of Social Services has welcomed the cash payments, but CEO Cassandra Goldie said it would only bring short-term relief.
“We’re calling on the Government to urgently increase Newstart by $95 per week ongoing by the Federal Budget to help lift people out of poverty and prevent those facing job losses from falling into the poverty trap, while rebuilding the economy,” she said.
amazing that we can be given $750 bc the govt knows we will put it right back into the economy, but to #raisetherate permanently is 'irresponsible.' #newstart
— fringe-dwelling panic merchant (@gimmethemeans) March 12, 2020
The package also includes $1.3 billion to help keep apprentices in their jobs, plus cash payments of between $2,000 and $25,000 for small and medium businesses to help pay wages or hire extra staff.