Coronavirus: JobKeeper Payment extended

21 July 2020

The JobKeeper Payment has been extended – at a lower rate and with stricter eligibility – until March 2021, the Morrison government has announced.

Originally due to run until 27 September 2020, JobKeeper will now continue to be available to eligible businesses and not-for-profits until 28 March 2021.

The current fortnightly payment rate of $1,500 for eligible employees (including the self-employed) will continue until 27 September 2020.

From 28 September 2020, JobKeeper payment rates will be determined by whether the eligible employee, in the four weeks of pay periods before 1 March 2020, was working 20 hours or more a week on average.

From 28 September 2020, JobKeeper payment rates for eligible employees meeting this 20-hour or more test will be $1,200 per fortnight, reducing to $1,000 per fortnight from 4 January 2021.

For other eligible employees (e.g. part-time), JobKeeper payment rates will be $750 per fortnight from 28 September 2020, reducing to $650 per fortnight from 4 January 2021.

Summary of key dates

• Until 27 September 2020: Payment continues at $1,500 per fortnight
• 28 September 2020 – 3 January 2021: Payment reduced to $1,200 / $750 per fortnight
• 4 January 2021 – 27 March 2021: Payment reduced to $1,000 / $650 per fortnight
• 28 March 2021: Payments end.

The Federal Government has released a comprehensive factsheet, Extension of the JobKeeper Payment for employer convenience.

Members needing further advice and support on JobKeeper Payments are encouraged to contact the Chamber's IR Department, including our new VACC IR resource, Andrea Chwalko.

Andrea Chwalko
E: achwalko@vacc.com.au

For more information
Australian Government factsheet: Extension of the JobKeeper Payment 
Australian Government: Delivering support for business investment
Australian Government: Extension of additional income support for individuals​
Australian Taxation Office: JobKeeper guides
Business Victoria: JobKeeper Payment for employers and employees
Prime Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Families and Social Services joint media release: JobKeeper payment and income support extended
The Treasury: The JobKeeper Payment (Three-month review June 2020)