Australian Government payments and support
For information about government payments such as JobSeeker, the Coronavirus Supplement, JobKeeper, and the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment, visit Services Australia's payments and services during coronavirus.
Accessing superannuation
The Government is allowing individuals affected by the coronavirus to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019–20, and a further $10,000 in 2020–21.
If you access your super you will not need to pay tax on the amounts released, and the money withdrawn will not affect Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payments.
For more information, see ATO's Early access to your super.
Private rental support – Rent Choice
Rent Choice is a private rental subsidy that helps eligible clients with rental payments for up to 3 years.
Rent Choice products include:
Tenancy Assistance – help with rent and water arrears for eligible private tenants.
Rent Choice Start Safely – for people escaping domestic and family violence.
Rent Choice Youth – helps people aged 16 to 24 who are homeless, or are at risk of homelessness.
Rent Choice Veterans – for former members of the Australian Defence Force.
Rent Choice Assist – supports households that have experienced a major financial setback.
Private Rental Subsidy – help with medium-term accommodation, before social housing becomes available.
Support for international students
The NSW Government is providing a $20 million package for international students who are stranded in Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The package will include:
- a temporary housing scheme delivered through approved student accommodation or homestay providers
- increased support via the International Legal Service NSW, making available 50,000 free subscriptions to the multilingual My Legal Mate student app
- a dedicated 24/7 international student support hotline offering free advice and information, and medical, mental health, legal and emergency support.
The crisis accommodation will be limited to international student visa holders in genuine need, who:
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have lost, or be at risk of losing, access to secure accommodation
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have no other avenues of support.
To apply, visit Apply for international student COVID-19 crisis accommodation.
Note: For the latest federal government's COVID-19 announcements, news, updates and advice, visit COVID-19 International Student Support and Welfare.
Retirees
Superannuation minimum drawdown requirements
For retirees drawing a pension from their super accounts, the Government is temporarily reducing the minimum drawdown requirements by 50% for the 2019–20 and 2020–21 income years.
Deeming rates for pensioners
As of 1 May 2020, the upper deeming rate will be 2.25% and the lower deeming rate will be 0.25%.
Local council rates and fees
Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA)
Road tolls
Related links
For up to date information on the Government's economic initiatives visit Treasury's Economic Response to the Coronavirus.