JobSeeker will be extended until the end of March 2021 but at a reduced rate

·

The Federal Government will extend the JobSeeker unemployment benefit — at a lower rate — until the end of March 2021.

The $815 a fortnight payment will be reduced to $715 a fortnight from December.

The Government added a coronavirus supplement onto the JobSeeker payment at the start of the COVID-19 crisis.

That fortnightly supplement, initially $550 and currently $250, was due to expire at Christmas but will now be extended by three months.

“Today’s announcement… will see more and more businesses and Australians graduate from the economic supports that were so essential over these many months,” Mr Morrison said.

The coronavirus supplement is also paid to people on parenting payments and eight other income support payments, including Youth Allowance and Farm Household Allowance.

The JobSeeker payment replaced the former Newstart unemployment benefit.

Having faced years of criticism for the pre-pandemic rate of about $40 a day, the Government is yet to announce a new permanent rate for JobSeeker.

Mr Morrison said the Government would consider a new permanent JobSeeker rate “at a later time.”

“What we are focused on right now is the emergency measures that need to be in place for the pandemic,” he said.

Mr Morrison said the supplement extension would cost the budget an extra $3.2 billion.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Doctor infected with coronavirus demands apology from Victorian Health Minister

A Melbourne GP who tested positive for the coronavirus has lashed out at Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos after she criticised his decision to return to work.

Critics name Yorgos Lanthimos’ ‘Poor Things’ as top film of 2024

Yorgos Lanthimos’ film "Poor Things" has been honored as the 2024 Movie of the Year by the International Federation of Film Critics.

Greek-Australian Cultural League announces Book Award 2024

The Greek- Australian Cultural League has announced the Book Awards for books written by authors active and residing in Australia.