Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union

 

What is the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment?

A:

The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment may be available if you’re unable to work and earn income because you or someone you’re caring for has to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19.

Eligibility criteria may vary slightly across states and territories but generally the worker:

  • cannot earn income due to a requirement to self-isolate or quarantine because they have COVID-19 or have been informed by a health official that they are a close contact of someone who does, is caring for a child who has COVID-19 or is a close contact of someone who does
  • is at least 17 years old
  • lives in Australia
  • is an Australian resident or holds an eligible working visa
  • has no entitlement to relevant paid leave or has exhausted their entitlement
  • hasn’t received income or other support payments during the period
  • has less than $10,000 available to them (e.g. in bank accounts)

The payments are:

  • $450 for workers who lose 8, but less than 20, hours of work
  • $750 for workers who lose 20 or more hours of work

Workers who lose less than 8 hours are no longer eligible to receive any payment.

You have 14 days from the start of your isolation or caring period, which must begin on or before 30 June 2022, to claim the payment.

State or territory public health orders may exempt essential workers from having to isolate which may mean you are able to work and won’t be eligible for Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.

Share on

Media releases

Mar 17, 2025

OVER 500 DEFENCE WORKERS STAGE MASSIVE WALK-OUT OVER WAGES AS BAE AUSTRALIA MANAGEMENT ADDRESSES WORKFORCE

Hundreds of critical defence shipbuilders at Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide are walking off the...


Mar 12, 2025

AMWU URGES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO SHIFT INDUSTRY POLICY AFTER US STEEL, ALUMINIUM TARIFFS

The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) is urging the federal government to shift gears on...


Mar 03, 2025

AMWU WELCOMES MAJOR INVESTMENT INTO WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN TRADES AND TECH

The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) welcomes the federal government’s announcement today that sees a...