Tag Archives: centrelink

Budget 2020 – what single mums need to know

October 6, 2020

Parents receiving Family Tax Benefit are among the winners in Budget 2020, if you can call anyone a winner in this year of crisis and disasters

By Jason Bryce

Single mum guide to Budget 2020

More cash for kids coming soon!

Jason Bryce

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s second budget has cash handouts, tax cuts, a new “JobMaker” wage subsidy and plenty of funding for crisis support.

“In 2020, Australians have been tested like never before,” said Mr Frydenberg

“Flood, drought, fires, and a global pandemic.”

No wonder so many mums and families need extra support in 2020.

More Centrelink cash for kids and carers

If you get Family Tax Benefit Part A or B you will get two bonus payments of $250 from Centrelink this financial year. The first will arrive before Christmas and the second in March 2021. This payment is $250 per FTB recipient, not $250 per child.

Carers will also get the two payments as will aged and disability support pensioners, veterans and pensioner concession/Seniors Card holders.

The NDIS will also get a funding boost “to ensure Australians eligible for the NDIS have access to the supports they need.”

Mums on JobSeeker have already had their COVID-19 boost wound back from $550 to $250 per fortnight.

The government did not commit to a permanent rise in the JobSeeker rate, as many had hoped

The Income Test and the Liquid Assets Test for JobSeeker has also been returned to pre-COVID-19 thresholds so many unemployed parents have lost Centrelink support in recent weeks.

JobKeeper will still end in March 2021.

Child-care subsidies that were increased in July to give many parents free care but have now been reduced even in Victoria. Subsidies for long day care and Out of School Hours care will continue to step down over the next six months so fees could rise.

“We can’t help reflect now on the challenges faced by single mothers who are in receipt of DSP or Carers,” said Terese Edwards, CEO of the National Council of Single Mothers and their Children.

“Women who have reduced or left the workforce to respond to health fears, compromised immune system or home-schooling are also doing it tough.

ParentsNext obligations are back

You may have received a break from your ParentsNext obligations but that has all finished on 27 September. Mutual obligation requirements for mums in the ParentsNext program have started again and will continue for everyone except those living in Victoria.

That doesn’t mean you have to attend face-to-face appointments, you can now opt for phone or online servicing.

ParentsNext must make a participation plan and complete it to avoid suspension of payments.

Victorian ParentsNext participants will get a monthly phone call from their provider.

Terese Edwards is disappointed ParentsNext is being resumed.

“ParentsNext is proving to be highly unpopular and produces more stress than value.

“The Australian Human Rights Commission have warned the government about this program.”

Big tax cuts plus another tax offset payment

Most who pay tax will get a repeat of last year’s $1,080 low and middle-income tax offset (LMITO) again in 2020.

And all taxpayers earning over $37,000 per year will now pay less, thanks to changes in tax thresholds said Josh Frydenberg. Single taxpayers will have up to $2,000 more in ther pocket. After tax.

Mums with taxable incomes between $37,000 to $45,000 stand to get the biggest cuts.

Jobs for young people

Finding a job for yourself or your teenager might get easier this year. Sixteen year-olds receiving Youth Allowance or JobSeeker will be eligible for the new JobMaker wage subsidy scheme. This scheme is for unemployed people up to the age of 35, so plenty of mums could benefit from this $200 per week subsidy to the employer as well.

JobMaker gives employers up to $200 per week to take on a new employee. The government says 500,000 people will get a job as a result of this measure.

More help for divorce and families in crisis

To meet increased demand as a result of COVID-19, the government has announced $220 million in additional support for relationship and critical front line services for families as well as the Family Court.

$133 million of that is for family and child support programs. Mental health, the pharmaceutical benefits scheme and suicide prevention services also get big funding boosts this year.

“Increased mental health funding will always be welcome however additional money in the pockets of Australians, who are a few short steps away from severe housing stress could really help,” said Terese Edwards.

Cash welcome but it’s not enough

Two $250 cash bonus payments are welcome according to welfare groups but hopes that Josh Frydenberg might raise JobSeeker, extend JobKeeper and keep additional Child Care subsidies have been dashed.

“The Government will need to do more to ensure that we are all in the recovery together,” said Dr Cassandra Goldie from the Australian Council of Social Services

“People without paid work will see no benefit from the income tax cuts.

“There is some extra funding for community services, including mental health services, but again, it is insufficient.”

Terese Edwards says the needs of single mothers during COVID-19 are not being recognised.

“I know these women have felt invisible and this budget won’t overcome the economic burden that they have shouldered through COVID 19.

“We hope the coronavirus supplement (on JobSeeker) which has already been cut from $550 to $250 will be continued and an announcement could be made on that within weeks.”

If you are feeling overwhelmed at the moment, you are not alone. 2020 is a year like no other. The government is providing additional assistance and banks are also being told to help people with debts. You can call a free government-funded financial counsellor whenever you need money advice on the National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007.

Jason Bryce

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Jobseeker, Single Parenting Payment & JobKeeper Reductions – the new rates and dates

July 23, 2020

The next phase of the winding down of government Coronavirus supplements and benefits has been announced

By Singlemum Staff

Jobseeker Coronavirus Supplement extended, but reduced more than half
Inc. Parenting Payment Single & others
Mutual Obligations recommence
JobKeeper extended, reduced and splits into two payments

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg have announced reductions to JobKeeper and Jobseeker Coronavirus Supplements at a Press Conference this morning.

Jobseeker Reductions

The Jobseeker (Parenting Payment Single, and all benefits listed here) Coronavirus Supplement stays at the current rate until 24th September 2020, after which time it reduces and ends at the end of December 2020.

After September 24 2020 the Jobseeker Coronavirus Supplement drops more than half, from $550 to $250. (The Jobseeker total payment reduces from $1,115 to $815 per fortnight)

The Jobseeker Coronavirus Supplement will end at the end of December 2020.

Check if you are eligible for the Coronavirus Supplement here

PM Scott Morrison told the news conference that Jobseeker will be reviewed again at this time for a possible extension.

The Prime Minister said Jobseeker is “more of a disincentive to the labour market” than JobKeeper, implying that all participants on Jobseeker are choosing it as a financial decision over work, rather than a safety net from poverty due to circumstances preventing adequate employment – as is the case with a large proportion of Australian single mother’s, and other struggling low-income Australians .

No comment on raising the Jobseeker rate

When questioned regarding the inadequate bass rate of Jobseeker and possible permanent increase, Prime Minister Morrison answered that it was “not a matter we’re looking at at the moment”.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces Jobseeker Reductions at the Press Conference this morning — Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the Press Conference this morning

Australian single parents have been calling for the Newstart, or Jobseeker, Centrelink benefit to be raised to a more liveable rate since policy changed and single parents were moved from Parenting Payment Single to Newstart (Jobseeker) when their youngest child turns eight.

Mutual Obligations Recommence

Jobseeker receivers income threshold has been increased to $300 per fortnight before it affects their Centrelink benefits.

Mutual obligation recommences from 4th August – 4 job searches per month are required before penalties result.

Jobkeeper Reductions

JobKeeper will be extended another 6 months until the end of March 2021, but at reduced rates.

Jobkeeper stays at the current rate until 28th September 2020, after which time it reduces and splits into two tiers.

From 29 September 2020 until 3 January 2021 JobKeeper reduces to $1200 – for those who were “full time”, or had more than 20 working hours or more per week prior to COVID-19 (four weeks prior to 1 March 2020).

From 29 September 2020 until 3 January 2021 JobKeeper reduces to $750 – for those who were “casual” or “part-time”, or had less than 20 working hours per week on average prior to COVID-19 (four weeks prior to 1 March 2020).

From 4 January 2021 until 28 March 2020, Jobkeeper reduces again to $1000 (full time) and $650 (casual).

Many JobKeeper recipients expected to move to Jobseeker

A large number of JobKeeper recipients are expected to move from JobKeeper to JobSeeker in the coming months, particularly for casuals who may get less money on JobKeeper than Jobseeker.

Carers Payment & Disability Pension single mums

Single mums on Carers Payment and Disability Support Pension were once again overlooked by the Prime Minister.

Singlemum.com.au Staff

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Single mum 5 minute 2020 tax guide – inc. Robodebt update

July 14, 2020

Expert Opinion Panel

Jason Bryce – Business & Finance

Coronavirus, EOFY and Centrelink for single mums

This is the most unusual end of financial year in living memory and we all have a million questions about our future.

Right now perhaps the best thing to do is spend five minutes to catch up on what we need to know about Centrelink and tax time. And this tax time is the first time we have had to talk about viruses.

by Jason Bryce

Here are some of the big questions mums are asking this tax time:

If my child isn’t going to school can I still get FTB?

Changes to Family Tax Benefit for Coronavirus mean children over 16 who are not studying are now still eligible for Family Tax Benefit. You can keep your child at home for their own safety, even if the school is still open and continue to get Family Tax Benefits.

Child Support and Coronavirus

If you receive or pay child support (or both) and your income has changed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, you need to tell CSA. You could be eligible for more FTB or other payments.

Can I get Parental Leave Pay and JobKeeper?

No you can’t get both of these payments. You can get Parental Leave Pay after JobKeeper ends if you are not ready to return to work at that time.

Some employers may not be able to pay Parental Leave Pay, because of the severe economic times we are in at the moment. In that case Centrelink says:

“If they can’t pay you because of COVID-19, we can pay you.”

If you return to work when JobKeeper ends, you can’t then get Parental Leave Pay. If you stopped working because you feared for the safety of your unborn baby (during the COVID-19 pandemic) you can still get PLP if you meet the work test under Centrelink’s Dangerous Job Provisions.

Which Centrelink payments are taxable and which payments are non-taxable income?

If you receive a Centrelink payment, Centrelink may already have sent a payment summary to the Australian Tax Office for the last financial year, ending 30 June 2020. You can access the Centrelink payment summary in ATO within MyGov.

The Centrelink payment summary will list your Centrelink payments, dates, the taxable and non-taxable amounts, tax withheld and remote area allowance if applicable.

These Centrelink payments are taxable income and have to be declared on your ATO tax return:

JobSeeker, Youth, Special and Sickness Allowance
Parenting Payment, Widow, Partner and Farm Household Allowance
Austudy and ABSTUDY

You can still apply for bushfire assistance

If you and your family have been impacted by a bushfire, you still have time to apply for bushfire assistance from Centrelink but you need to be quick.

You could be eligible for:

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
Disaster Recovery Allowance.

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment claims for bushfire assistance close 16 July for people living in South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania, on 4 August for people in NSW, Victoria and Eastern Queensland.

At this time of year, and particularly this year, getting on top of your finances and end-of-financial year business is critically important to ensure you receive all the income you are entitled to.

Are you entitled to a robo-debt refund?

This week, Centrelink is starting to repay almost 400,000 Australians who were wrongly forced to repay “robo-debts.” The average payment will be $1,900 and the first repayments will arrive in people’s accounts from Monday 13th July 2020.

Stuart Robert, the Minister responsible for Centrelink said 200,000 people who are eligible for a Robodebt refund need to update their bank account information in MyGov so the money can be paid. These are mostly people who may not be still receiving Centrelink income.

“Come into myGov, update your bank details, and as soon as they’re updated we’ll pay you,” said Mr Robert.

People who are owed more than $7,000 will be paid in instalments.

Jason Bryce

If you enjoyed reading this article, please give us a Facebook “Like” or comment below, to keep them coming!

Jason is an expert business, finance and consumer issues journalist specialising in personal finance, debt, consumer issues and banking, Jason is now based in Melbourne and p worked for ABC TV, News Ltd and plenty of magazines and online publishers. You can keep up to date with the latest Centrelink news and information at Jason’s Facebook page, Centrelink News.
Jason is a proud single dad of three children who are all growing up fast. Follow Jason on Twitter @JasonBryce. Jason’s personal website is www.jasonbryce.com

Who gets the second $750 Centrelink Coronavirus payment?

July 13, 2020

Expert Opinion Panel

Jason Bryce – Business & Finance

Why am I missing out of the second $750 economic support payment?

Centrelink Update for single mums

By Jason Bryce

Most single mums won’t get the second $750 economic support payment this week. And changes to child-care and Parent Pay also impact on mums.

Single parents on Parenting Payment and JobSeeker will miss out on the second $750 economic support payment, even if they got the first $750 payment, back at the beginning of April.

Who will get the second $750 economic stimulus payment?

People currently receiving (on the 10 July 2020) one of these payments, can expect to receive the second $750 economic support payment:

Age Pension, Pensioner Concession Card or Seniors Health Card.
Carer Payment or Allowance.
Disability Support Pension
Family Tax Benefit A and B

If you are eligible, the money will be paid in the fortnight starting 13 July 2020 and will be hitting accounts by the 15^th July.

Who will NOT get the second $750?

These payments are not eligible for the second $750 economic stimulus payment:

Jobseeker/JobKeeper
Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY
Parenting Payment

JobSeeker, youth allowance and Parenting Payment beneficiaries are not receiving the second $750 economic support payment even though they were included int eh first $750 economic support payment.

Why am I missing out on the second $750?

JobSeeker and Parenting Payment people have been getting the coronavirus supplement of $550 per fortnight on top of their normal payments.

Senator Anne Ruston, the Minister for Families and Social Services said five million Aussies will get the second $750 payment at a cost of $3.8 billion.

“This payment is providing additional support to eligible pensioners, families, veterans and concession card holders, who do not get the fortnightly Coronavirus Supplement as part of their current payment.”

The minister responsible for Centrelink services, Stuart Robert, said “if you are living in Australia and getting an eligible payment or concession card on 10 July 2020, you will get this payment automatically.”

“There is no need to do anything to get the second Economic Support Payment,” said Mr Robert.

“If eligible, people will see the $750 payment arrive in their bank account between 15 July and the end of July.”

Jason Bryce

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Centrelink Coronavirus Payment FAQs – what – when – tax – reporting

April 22, 2020

When do I get it? Why can’t I see it? Is it taxable? Should I update my Family Tax Estimate? Here are the answers to your most-asked Centrelink Coronavirus payment questions!

One thing is for sure right now – if you’re a recipient of the new Morrison Government COVID19 Centrelink payments, you are going to have a lot of questions.

We know, because we get hundreds of questions posted in our Facebook Centrelink and single parent groups everyday!

As if Australian single parents aren’t struggling enough with social distancing, self isolation , home schooling , supermarket abuse and how Coronavirus affects child custody , now they are worrying about the new payments possibly causing them to raise a debt with Centrelink.

We hope that by answering these new but important questions we can help ease your mind, and give you the tools to address any Centrelink tasks you may need. This will assist you in keeping your Centrelink welfare benefits up to date – and worry-free.

Before we begin, here again is our quick-reference table below – use it to help you work out which new COVID-19 Australian Government Centrelink stimulus payments you are eligible for…

Common Centrelink Coronavirus payments FAQs

Do I need to apply for the new $750 or $550 Coronavirus payments?

No. You don’t need to do anything to get the new Coronavirus stimulus payments. If you are eligible (see the table above), they will automatically be paid to you through Centrelink.

When will the second $750 Economic Support Payment be paid?

The second $750 Centrelink payment will be paid on 10 July 2020.

When will the $550 Coronavirus Supplement be paid?

The Coronavirus Supplement will be paid automatically from April 27 2020.

How long will the Coronavirus Supplement be paid for?

The new $550 supplement will be paid once a fortnight for 6 months.

Why can’t I see the extra $550 Supplement in my next Centrelink payment?

You won’t see the $550 Centrelink supplement applied to your payment total online/in the Centrelink App until April 27. After that date, you should see it.

Is it possible get all three Coronavirus payments if I am receiving Family Tax Benefits?

No. Nobody receives all three new Coronavirus payments.

If you are receiving Family Tax Benefits A and/or B in addition to your ELIGIBLE benefit (for example Jobseeker and Parenting Payment, but not Disability or Carers), the $550 supplement takes precedence, and eliminates the second $750 payment.

If you are receiving Family Tax Benefits only, or in addition to benefits such as Disability or Carers payments (that is, NOT in addition to those benefits eligible for the $550 supplement), then you will get both $750 Centrelink Economic Support Payments , but not the $550 supplement.

Coronavirus Payment Tax FAQs

$750 Economic Support Payments Tax FAQs

Are the two $750 Centrelink Coronavirus payments taxable?

No, the two one-off $750 Economic Support Payments are NOT taxable .

Do I need to report the $750 payments when doing my normal fortnightly income report?

Do I need to add the $750 payments to my Family Income Estimate for FTB (Family Tax Benefit)/Child Care Supplement?

No.

Do I need to include the $750 Economic Support payments in my 2019/2020 Tax Return?

No.

$550 Coronavirus Supplement Tax FAQs

Is the new $550 Coronavirus Supplement taxable?

Yes. The temporary fortnightly $550 Coronavirus Supplement is taxable.

Do I need to report the $550 Coronavirus Supplement payments when doing my normal fortnightly income report?

No. It’s regarded as part of your Centrelink payment.

Do I need to include the $550 Coronavirus Supplement payments to my Family Income Estimate for FTB (Family Tax Benefit)/Child Care Supplement?

Yes, you need to include your Coronavirus Supplement payments in your Family Income Estimate, as it is a part of your taxable income.

Do I need to include the $550 Coronavirus Supplement in my 2019/2020 Tax Return?

Yes. You need to declare your Coronavirus Supplement payments as taxable income in your 2019-2020 financial year tax return.

JobKeeper Tax FAQs

Is the new $1,500 JobKeeper Payment taxable?

Yes. The Jobkeeper payment is taxable.

Do I need to report the $1,500 JobKeeper payment when doing my Centrelink fortnightly income report?

Yes. You need to report the $1500 Jobkeeper payment as part of your Centrelink fortnightly income reporting.

Do I need to include JobKeeper in my Family Income Estimate for FTB (Family Tax Benefit)/Child Care Supplement?

Yes, you need to include your $1,500 JobKeeper payments in your Family Income Estimate, as it is a part of your taxable income.

Do I need to include the $1,500 Jobkeeper payments in my 2019/2020 Tax Return?

Yes. You need to declare your JobKeeper payments as income in your 2019-2020 financial year tax return.

Centrelink Reporting FAQs

Do I still need to Report for Newstart or ParentsNext as I normally do?

Yes, income must be reported as normal. Reporting income should not be confused with the currently suspended Mutual Obligations.

Do I need to report the $750 Economic Support payments when doing my normal fortnightly income report?

Do I need to report the $550 Coronavirus Supplement payments when doing my normal fortnightly income report?

No.

Do I need to report the $1,500 JobKeeper payment when doing my Centrelink fortnightly income report?

Yes. You need to report the $1500 JobKeeper payment as part of your Centrelink fortnightly income reporting.

What do I do if I get an error when I report?

There are several reporting errors appearing in the Centrelink online system. Read our article here to find out how you can Report online immediately .

How long are Jobseeker (Newstart) Mutual Obligations suspended for?

Mutual Obligation requirements are currently suspended until 22 May 2020 (Extended from April 27).

Australian Government Coronavirus Helpline

Australian Government Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080, 24 hours, 7 days.

For further details regarding all of the above, please go to the Human Services website here .

Singlemum.com.au Staff Writers

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New FREE Childcare – who gets it – and when!

April 2, 2020

Expert Opinion Panel

Jason Bryce – Business & Finance

**Update – free child care will be replaced with a subsidy from 12 July 2020**

Working mums can get free child care if …

Single mothers are among the one million Australian workers who can get free child care, for at least one month, starting from this Sunday.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the new additional program to pay 50% of the child care sector’s fees this morning. A child care centre can only get the funding if they stay open and do not charge fees.

To get free childcare there are a few pre-requisites.

Who gets free child care?

The new ‘free child care’ arrangement applies:

From Monday 6 April and will be reviewed after one month.
If your child was enrolled in care during the fortnight ending 2 March, even if you have taken them out of care.
Anyone who is working now can qualify.

Scott Morrison said anyone who had a job was considered “essential” and that child care is “an essential service to keep all parents who still had jobs in the current economy in that work.”

Education Minister Dan Tehan said the program was designed to help keep kids in their normal existing centre, not force parents to find a new centre.

“We want to ensure your childcare centre will remain open, so that you know where you normally take your child to get cared, that that will be there for you, so you are not looking for a new centre.”

How to get free child care

If you have taken your child out of care since late February, get back in touch with your child care centre. If you have lost your job, or need child care to return to work, you can also qualify for this.

If your child is still in care, you will begin to get the free care from Monday.

If you just want to reserve your place at your child care centre for when you return to work, you could qualify for this scheme and you should call your centre.

“If you have terminated your enrolment since 17 February, then I encourage you to get back in contact with your centre and re-start your arrangements,” said Mr Tehan

“Re-starting your enrolment will not require you to send your child to child care and it certainly won’t require you to pay a gap fee.

“Re-starting your enrolment will, however, hold your place for that point in time when things start to normalise,” said Dan Tehan.

What about special needs children?

Dan Tehan said more funding is available to cover the costs associated with child care for emergency service workers and vulnerable children.

“We will make payments of higher amounts in exceptional circumstances, such as where greater funding is required to meet the needs of emergency workers or vulnerable children.”

This is not a scheme for people entering the workforce, or re-entering the workforce

This is not a scheme for people entering the workforce or re-entering the workforce. This scheme applies to parents who are working and had children in care before the coronavirus shutdown of much of the economy (and child care centres) began in early March.

You have to be using an approved child care provider and you must be the person who is responsible for paying the child care fees. Your child must be fully immunised and meet residency requirements.

What about Stay-at-Home mums?

It seems at this stage (from information available on the Services Australia website and from the Prime Minister’s media conference this morning) that free child care may not apply to parents staying at home. Unless they are at home as a result of Coronavirus or their employment is being affected by Coronavirus.

However this is a great opportunity to expand child care accessibility to stay-at-home mums and parents said Terese Edwards, CEO of the National Council for Single Mothers and their Children.

“This package will help support families during these difficult times.

“I understand the priority for the workforce f but I suspect there are now plenty of spare child care places that could be filled by children who don’t have a sibling or for other reasons could benefit from care,” said Terese Edwards.

“Given there is capacity in services to take extra children, they could play a role for children who could benefit emotionally and developmentally by attending care.

“Families are already under pressure due to self-isolation. Providing safe care for children at home could be a pragmatic way of providing some relief.”

The 24/7 National Coronavirus Health Information Line is 1800 020 080.

Jason Bryce

Centrelink Coronavirus payments – what single parents get – & when!

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED 22 MARCH – UPDATED 2 APRIL 2020

Get ready for the second wave of government Coronavirus payments – there are two new main payments – but who is eligible for what?

This is a worrying time for single parents, when every dollar counts. Many single mums receiving welfare benefits – in particular the Centrelink Parenting Payment for singles and Newstart (now known as the Jobseeker Payment) – are struggling with social distancing, self isolation , homeschooling , supermarket abuse and the availability of household items.

Many single mums are also expressing confusion and worry over possible changes to custody arrangements – and you can read more about how Coronavirus affects child custody here.

Newstart recipients will be relieved to hear of a significant increase to the Newstart rate, even if it is just a temporary measure.

New Centrelink Coronavirus (COVID-19) stimulus payments to help ease the financial burden were recently announced by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The latest Centrelink payments – who gets what?

Use our quick-reference table below to work out which new COVID-19 Australian Government Centrelink stimulus payments you are eligible for…

The first $750 Centrelink payment is now being rolled out

The first of two separate one-off Economic Support Payments of $750 to Centrelink eligible welfare recipients is currently being progressively paid out this week to over 6.5 million Australians.

A new $550 Coronavirus Supplement

The Australian Government via Centrelink will pay a temporary fortnightly $550 Coronavirus Supplement if you’re getting an eligible payment.

Who is eligible for the Coronavirus Supplement?

Eligible Centrelink payments include Parenting Payment Single, Newstart (Jobseeker Payment), Parenting Payment Partnered, Youth Allowance, Sickness Allowance, Partner Allowance, Special Benefit, Farm Household Allowance, Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY.

How much is the new Coronavirus Supplement?

The Coronavirus Supplement will be an extra $550 a fortnight on top of your normal payment rate.

When will the $550 Coronavirus Supplement be paid?

You don’t need to do anything. It will be automatically paid from 27 April 2020.

How long will the Coronavirus Supplement be paid for?

The new $550 supplement will continue to be paid each fortnight, provided you are eligible, for up to 6 months.

Is the $550 Coronavirus Supplement taxable?

Yes, the Coronavirus Supplement is taxable.

The second $750 Economic Support Payment

Centrelink will pay a second $750 Economic Support Payment if you’re getting an eligible payment or have an eligible concession card on 10 July 2020.

Can I get the second $750 payment in addition to the $550 supplement?

No, you cannot receive the second $750 payment if you are eligible to receive the $550 Coronavirus Supplement.

You should get the second $750 Centrelink payment if you were (and remain) eligible for the first Economic Support Payment, and are NOT eligible to receive the Coronavirus Supplement.

When will the second $750 Economic Support payment be paid?

The second $750 Centrelink payment will be paid from 13 July 2020

What about Family Tax Benefit (FTB) recipients?

FTB recipients who are NOT eligible for the $550 Coronavirus Supplement (if they are not also receiving Newstart or Parenting Payment which makes them eligible for the Coronavirus Supplement, for example), should be eligible for the second $750 Economic Support Payment.

What about the Disability Support Pension?

Disability Support Pension recipients are not eligible for the $550 Coronavirus Supplement, however they are eligible for the second $750 Economic Support Payment.

What about Carers Payment?

Carer Payment recipients are not eligible for the $550 Coronavirus Supplement, however they are eligible for the second $750 Economic Support Payment.

If I have a debt with Centrelink or the ATO, will they take my Coronavirus payments to pay it?

No, you will receive the full amount regardless of any debt or Robodebt you may have with Centrelink or the ATO.

Do I still need to Report income to Centrelink for Newstart or ParentsNext as I normally do?

Yes, whilst Mutual Obligation requirements are currently suspended (until 27 April 2020), reporting income on your normal fortnightly date is still necessary to receive your usual Centrelink welfare benefits.

Some parents are finding their normal income reporting prompt is not appearing in the Centrelink app. Read our article here to find out how you can Report online immediately .

Centrelink Crisis Payments

Crisis Payments may also be available to you if you need to self-isolate, are in severe financial hardship and are eligible for an income support payment.

How much is the Centrelink Crisis Payment?

Crisis Payment is a one off payment equal to a week’s pay of your existing income support payment rate.

New Centrelink welfare applicants

Ordinary waiting periods for new Centrelink payment applicants are also being waived under many circumstances – new Centrelink welfare payment applicants should apply online as per usual.

Australian Government Coronavirus Helpline

Australian Government Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080, 24 hours, 7 days.

For further details regarding all of the above, please go to the Human Services website here .

Singlemum.com.au Staff Writers

Centrelink recipients – you must still REPORT to get paid – here’s how

March 27, 2020

UPDATED – ORIGINAL POSTED MARCH 27

Due to COVID19 The government have suspended Centrelink Mutual Obligations, however what a lot of Newstart (Jobseeker) and ParentsNext recipients don’t realise right now is that you are still required to report your income (if that is what you normally do) to receive your Centrelink payment.

With the large influx of new Centrelink welfare applicants due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the MyGov website and Centrelink App have been overloaded, crashing, and experiencing frequent glitches.

Many Newstart (Jobseeker) recipients received the following text sms message to notify them that there will be a temporary exception on Centrelink income reporting up until April 3.

The message reads, “Customers who are due to report their earnings Monday 30 March – Friday 3 April 2020 will receive their payment automatically. Read more “

There has been no follow-up message to indicate that there will be any extension to this non-reporting acceptability period, and the “Read more” link leads to general Australian Human Services website COVID-19 information.

Another common, recent Centrelink App error has been the normal “Report” prompt to Report income to trigger fortnightly payments is not appearing when it should be.

The error message states, “You do not have any tasks “ when your normal reporting period is active and unreported.

You may have also received a text recently that stated Centrelink Mutual Obligations are now suspended until 27 April 2020.

Many Centrelink welfare recipients are mistakenly believing that this text, plus the report prompt not appearing in their App, means they are not required to report their income as they normally do each fortnight .

You still need to submit your Employment Income Report to Centrelink to receive your ParentsNext or Jobseeker Payment

Whether you have received any income or not, you are still required to report your income as normal, even if your income for that period is $0. (With the exclusion of the aforementioned dates March 30 – April 3)

If you report late, your payment may be delayed. (See our listed income reporting methods listed below)

There is another common error message appearing in the Centrelink App if you are able to see and use the Report prompt.

Upon completion of reporting you may receive this message.

The message reads “This report was completed, but we could not retrieve your receipt. This may be because you completed your report using a channel other than the online Report Employment Income. ”

We are unable to confirm whether or not your Report is actually registered by Centrelink as submitted, as many Centrelink clients advise that upon returning to their Centrelink App home screen, they once again see the current date period Report prompt, as though no Report has been submitted.

If you receive this message, or cannot see the report prompt message in the Centrelink App as per usual (and are unable to report as you usually do using the Centrelink App) you may wish to ensure your payment is on track by trying some alternative online Centrelink reporting methods.

There are three more Centrelink online reporting methods for you to use to successfully Report straight away and get your Newstart (Jobseeker) Payment processing

Method One

While you are logged into the Centrelink App in your smart phone, click on the “Report” tab and then proceed with your Report as normal

Method Two

Report by going to the MyGov Centrelink website , log in and proceed with your Report as normal.

Method Three

Call the dedicated Reporting phone number:

133 276

which will voice authenticate you and accept your Report by voice alone. This method will also issue you with a receipt, and also sms text it to your phone (if you agree) for further peace of mind.

If you are still unsuccessful…

As a last resort you can always try to phone the general Centrelink phone number ( the number is below, however prepare for long wait times) , or attend a Centrelink Office near to you in person.

They may be able to assist you to report manually, or at least get it on the record that you have tried to report using various methods.

Find out where your closest Australian Government Services Australia office is located here.

The general Centrelink phone number is 136 150

For further details regarding Reporting your income, please go to the Human Services website here .

And if this article was of use to you, please hit the Facebook “Like” button up the top, or comment down below!

Singlemum.com.au Staff Writers

Why many single mums will miss out on the second $750 Centrelink payment

March 24, 2020

Expert Opinion Panel

Jason Bryce – Business & Finance

There are two major new payments for single mums and other people that have been announced in the last week.

Firstly, two $750 Economic Stimulus Payments are being paid to Aussies on Centrelink.

Secondly, a $550 per fortnight Coronavirus Supplement will be paid to some people on Centrelink for 6 months.

Some single mums, like those on Family Tax Benefit, will get 2 x $750.

Plenty of single mums will get the first $750 then start to collect the $550 per fortnight on top of a new payment and miss out on the second $750. Because, like many people, they find themselves out of income suddenly and have recently applied for Jobseeker or Parenting. They will not get the second $750, they have become eligible for the $550 per fortnight.

Sound confusing? Read on …

Coronavirus Economic Stimulus payments information for single mums

The latest economic stimulus package from the government was announced on Sunday night.

The Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said everyone currently receiving Parenting Payment, Jobseeker, Farm Household, Special Benefit, and now also Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY will get a coronavirus supplement of $550 per fortnight, on top of their regular payment.

They also made the $750 Economic Support Payment easier to get and available for people who haven’t signed up to any Centrelink benefit yet. You have until the 13 April to get your application in to be eligible for this payment.

A second $750 payment will be made to Centrelink beneficiaries from the 13 July 2020. This payment will not go to people who collect the $550 per fortnight.

How to get the $550 per fortnight Coronavirus Supplement from Centrelink

If you are already receiving Parenting Payment, Jobseeker, Youth Allowance, Farm Household, Austudy, ABSTUDY or Special Benefit, Centrelink says you don’t have to do anything. You will automatically be paid the coronavirus supplement of $550 per fortnight on top of your regular payment from 27 April 2020 for at least 6 months as long as you remain eligible.

“The $550 Coronavirus Supplement is paid to Parenting Payment, Jobseeker, Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY, Farm Household or Special Benefit … “

If you are not already on a payment, apply now, online , in person at a branch or over the phone. If your application is successful, you will automatically get the coronavirus supplement.

Who gets the first and second $750 Economic Support Payments?

If you are NOT on Centrelink at the moment, you can sign up for a Jobseeker, Parenting or other payment by 13 April and be eligible to receive the $750 Economic Support Payment.

The second $750 payment is for people who do NOT get the $550 Coronavirus Supplement.

Centrelink say: “If you are not eligible for the Coronavirus Supplement ($550 per fortnight) you may get a second $750”

“We will pay this from the 13th of July 2020.”

You will get the second $750 payment if you are eligible on the 10 July 2020 “for any payments or concession cards that were eligible for the first Economic Support Payment,” advises Centrelink.

Those eligible payments include almost all Centrelink & Dept of Veterans Affairs payments:

Parenting Payment
Jobseeker (Newstart) Allowance
Family Tax Benefit A
Family Tax Benefit B
Widow Allowance
Youth Allowance
ABSTUDY (Living Allowance)
Austudy
Disability Support Pension
Carer Payment
Carer Allowance
Wife Pension
Widow B Pension
Bereavement Allowance
Partner Allowance
Veteran Service Pension
Veteran Income Support Supplement
Veteran Compensation payments, including lump sum payments
War Widow(er) Pension.
Age Pension
Sickness Allowance
Special Benefit
Farm Household Allowance
Double Orphan Pension.

Also, many people who may not get a payment might still hold one of these cards and will also get the payments 1 and 2:

Pensioner Concession Card
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Veteran Gold Card.

You’ll only get one $750 payment at a time even if you get two payments – for example Parenting Payment and Family Tax Benefit.

Can I get the $550 Coronavirus Supplement and second $750 Economic Support Payment?

No, although things seem to be changing every week, the latest advice from Centrelink is that no, you are eligible for one or the other of these payments but not both.

Why haven’t I got the $750 coronavirus Economic Support Payment from Centrelink?

The first $750 Economic Stimulus Payment from Centrelink will be paid in the fortnight starting 31 March.

Centrelink now say almost everyone receiving any payment will get this, including mums on FTB, Parenting Payment, Jobseeker, Austudy, Abstudy and Youth Allowance.

Parents on Family Tax Benefit will get both $750 payments, unless they are also on parenting, Jobseeker or Youth Allowance by July, then.

The second $750 payment will only be made to people not already getting the $550 Coronavirus Supplement.

“You won’t get this (the second $750) payment if you’re getting the Coronavirus Supplement,” says Centrelink.

Crisis payments if you are ordered to self-isolate

If you are ordered by a doctor or you have crossed a state border, or have recently arrived in Australia you may have to self-isolate at home for 14 days. There is now a crisis payment available for people ordered to self-isolate.

The best way to find out more is obviously online or through the call-centre. 5,000 new staff are being recruited to upgrade the Centrelink call centre, shop fronts and online services.

Scott Morrison is making Centrelink easier to claim.

Scott Morrison, when minister for Centrelink under the prime minister Tony Abbott in 2015 was the minister who first began placing single mothers on the Basics Card, later the Indue “white” card.

Scott Morrison wanted all parents, the disabled, their carers and young people off Centrelink completely. Scott Morrison talked about abolishing the single parent pension, the disability pension and the dole.

Faced with an unprecedented depression in a closed down economy, Scott Morrison and his Minister for Social Services, Stuart Robert, have announced they are making Centrelink easier to apply for.

Assets test may no longer apply to you for Jobseeker and other payments. Income tests will still apply.

Now Jobseeker and Youth Allowance has been made available for:

Permanent employees who have been stood down or sacked.
Sole traders, self-employed, casual, contract workers whose income has been reduced
People caring for someone with coronavirus.
The Assets Tests have been waived from 27 April for 6 months for Jobseeker and other payments except for Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit.
Income testing will still apply.
Waiting periods (normally three weeks on most payments) were waived for three months on the 12 March 2020.
The liquid asset test has also been waived, meaning you may be able to get a payment before your bank account runs out.
You are NOT eligible for Jobseeker or Youth Allowance if you are getting employer entitlements like annual leave or sick leave, or you are getting income protection insurance payments.

Why is the government increasing the coronavirus economic payments package? How did we get to this point?

On Friday 13 March, Australia had just 122 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus COVID-19. The NRL, the AFL, the A League, the WAFL and many other sports were all starting their seasons almost as normal, just without fans.

Today, Tuesday the 24 March there are 1709 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in Australia, an increase of 1400% in 11 days. Eight Aussies are dead. The curve is not flattening, it is steepening.

Last Thursday. 4,000 Australian doctors issued an urgent letter to all Australian governments to immediately change course and take the COVID-19 threat a lot more seriously. They warned of an Italy style pandemic death toll.

Led by Dr Hemant Garg, the letter said doctors were “dismayed” that their medical recommendations were being ignored by the politicians. They said their colleagues in Europe were “begging us to learn from their mistakes.”

“Australia had 122 confirmed cases of coronavirus on 13 March 2020, now 1,709 Aussies have it, up 1400% in 11 days ….”

The doctors wanted an immediate “three to four-week closure of schools, cultural and religious places including places of worship, gyms and leisure centres, pubs, bars, theatres, cinemas and concert halls.”

What are your chances of death from novel coronavirus COVID-19?

If you are infected with coronavirus, early access to medical advice, probably over the phone, is critical to your chances of survival. Then complete isolation is mandatory so you don’t unwittingly pass on the virus.

Children and young people seem to be less likely to succumb to the virus but can probably pass it on, said Australia’s chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy on Sunday.

Older people are far more susceptible to coronavirus and the coronavirus death rate increases with age.

The death rate from coronavirus is much higher (in the order of 10X) than the flu. Today the eighth Australian died from coronavirus.

“With access to intensive care the death rate from COVID-19 is likely less than 1%,” said Dr Hemant Garg, “but in an overwhelmed system without access to intensive care the death rate approaches 4%.”

One per cent of 1,709 Australians is 17 people. That’s why this is so serious.

It still took Scott Morrison and the premiers until Sunday night to act on this most serious and unprecedented letter from Australia’s most senior medical brains.

And Minister for Social Services (Centrelink) Stuart Robert was notoriously unprepared for the rush on Monday morning.