Support if you can’t earn an income because of COVID-19 isolation measures

This program provides workers with a payment if they cannot earn an income because they have to self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone with COVID-19.

Overview

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is a lump sum payment to help you during the 14 days you need to self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone.

The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is for people who can't earn an income because they must self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone who has COVID-19.

What are the eligibility criteria?

You may be eligible if a health official has told you to self-isolate or quarantine because you:

• have coronavirus (COVID-19)
• are a close contact of a person with COVID-19
• are caring for a child, 16 years or under, who has COVID-19
• are caring for a child, 16 years or under, who’s a close contact of a person with COVID-19.

You may also be eligible if you're caring for someone who has COVID-19.

You must also meet all of the following:

• you’re at least 17 years old
• you’re an Australian resident or hold a visa that gives you the right to work in Australia
• you're unable to go to work and earn an income
• you have no sick leave entitlements, including pandemic sick leave, personal leave or leave to care for another person.

You won’t be eligible if you receive:

• income, earnings or salary from paid work
• any income support payments, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Parental Leave Pay or Dad and Partner Pay.

How do you apply?

You can claim over the phone with Services Australia. You must make a new claim for each 14-day period of self-isolation or quarantine that you are required to serve.

Find out more about eligibility and how to apply on the Services Australia website.