EXTRA support is being made available for people under financial stress, as a result of NSW lockdown restrictions. 

An additional $287.5 million, announced by the NSW government today (September 14) will see the COVID-19 emergency hardship payments, test and isolate support payments and community empowerment grants expanded across all of NSW including Queanbeyan.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro says the funds will assist workers and vulnerable people under financial strain due to covid lockdown restrictions.

“The expansion and extension of the emergency hardship payment will provide assistance to people across all of NSW who are under severe financial strain but are not eligible for other support payments and grants,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The test and isolate payment will help people to test early and isolate if they have covid symptoms.

“This payment will help take the pressure off if an individual does not have access to leave entitlements or other support payments.”

Grants for culturally and linguistically diverse groups have also been expanded, Mr Barilaro says, to connect multicultural communities with essential services throughout the pandemic.

The NSW Government’s $287.5 million funding commitment includes;

• The emergency hardship, one-off payment of $400 administered by the Red Cross which has been expanded to temporary visa/no visa holders in NSW who are facing severe financial hardship and are not eligible for other government income. To apply visit: https://www.redcross.org.au/get-help/help-for-migrants-in-transition/help-for-migrants-in-transition/nsw-relief
• The test and isolate payment of $320 which has now been expanded state-wide. It is available for eligible workers aged 17 and over, who have symptoms of COVID-19, to get tested and isolate until a negative result is returned. The payment is available to NSW workers who do not have sick, carer’s or pandemic leave. To apply visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-test-and-isolate-support-payment
• Community supports grants have been expanded across NSW to help organisations deliver emergency food relief, promote vaccination and testing services, and provide culturally appropriate support and care to diverse communities.