Can you get the Job Keeper Allowance?

As of yesterday, the Government has announced another stimulus package – the JobKeeper payment – designed to assist businesses suffering to keep their staff employed.

For eligible businesses, they’ll receive a $1,500 subsidy per fortnight per eligible employee. They’ll have to pay the eligible employees at least $1,500 per fortnight (this is pre-tax). If an eligible employee usually earns less than $1,500 per fortnight (pre-tax), they still have to receive the minimum $1,500 per fortnight (so they’ll be getting a raise!).

If the employer chooses to pay extra on top of the $1,500 to ensure their employees are receiving the same pay they would have on their usual wages, they can do so, but any additional will come out of their own pocket. It’s also up to the discretion of the employer if they wish to pay super on top of this. The JobKeeper allowance is also available to self-employed people.

Eligibility for employers is determined by…

1️⃣ For businesses with turnover under $1 billion, if their turnover has been decreased by at least 30% compared to this time last year.

2️⃣ For businesses with turnover over $1 billion, if their turnover has been decreased by at least 50% compared to this time last year.

3️⃣ For sole traders and contractors, if your turnover has decreased by 30% compared to this time last year.

For employees to be considered eligible, they’ll have to meet the following conditions…

1️⃣ Be an Australian resident, hold a permanent visa, or meet one of the other criteria of residency (see the link below for more details).

2️⃣ Be a full-time or part-time employee (this includes those that’ve already been stood down).

3️⃣ Be a casual employee whose been with their employer for at least 12 months.

Clicking here provides more detail for employers and employees on the JobKeeper allowance.