Paid Pandemic Leave

The Australian Government’s Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment has been extended to NSW residents from 28 September 2020 to 31 January 2021. A lump-sum payment will be made available to eligible recipients who are unable to work and earn an income because, for fourteen days, they are required to self-isolate, quarantine, or care for someone. It is paid by the Australian Government direct to applicants and does not involve employers, other than providing employees with evidence for eligibility, such as proof of employment, for example, payslips.

Recipients are paid $1,500 for each 14 day period when directed to self-isolate or quarantine, or are caring for someone with COVID-19, or are16 years or under who has been directed to self-isolate or quarantine. Payments will be made directly to an account nominated by the applicant. The 14 day period (or part of this period) must fall on or after 17 September 2020. A separate application must be made for each 14 day period being claimed. Each applicant must apply separately.

Eligibility requirements:

NSW Health has issued a direction to self-isolate or quarantine because they:
they have Coronavirus (COVID-19)
they have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19
they care for a child, 16 years or under, who has COVID-19
they care for a child, 16 years or under, who has been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19
they are the primary carer for someone who has been tested positive with COVID-19.