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Support for workers affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)

Find financial assistance and jobseeker support if you've been stood down, had your hours reduced, or closed your business due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

Finding a job

Jobs Finder Queensland

Queenslanders impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) and looking for work can register to be matched with job opportunities by local recruitment agencies.

Register your details now with Jobs Finder Queensland.

Harvest work opportunities in Queensland

Seasonal work opportunities are available in Queensland's agribusiness and commercial fishing industries for temporary visa holders and seasonal workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read about:

Free online courses and skill sets

Access online skill sets and micro-credentials in a range of study areas, as well as job readiness and COVID Safe training.

Upskill with short-term, fee-free courses for eligible Queenslanders.

Queensland small businesses can also access free online training across a broad range of courses.

Worker support package

Workers who lose their job or income as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 will be assisted with retraining, job-matching and other help to transition into jobs in key industries.

Find out more about Queensland's economic recovery plan.

Read about help that is available for workers who have recently lost their job.

Worker Transition Scheme and rapid response

Learn more about the Worker Transition Scheme and rapid response, providing information and support services to workers' who may find themselves without work as a result of business closures or redundancy programs.

Changes to temporary work visa arrangements

The Australian Government has made a number of changes to temporary visa holder arrangements, enabling visa holders to remain in key businesses and industries including:

Financial assistance

JobKeeper payment

Your employer may be eligible to access a subsidy to continue paying you and retain you as an employee.

Find out about eligibility for JobKeeper payments.

If you have recently lost your job as a result of COVID-19, talk to your employer to see if JobKeeper payments would allow you to be re-engaged until business restrictions are lifted.

Hardship payment for casual workers and eligible employees

From 5 June 2020, the Queensland Government will provide $1,500 payments to eligible Queensland workers who face financial hardship through enforced quarantine, and have contracted COVID-19 outside of their workplace.

The hardship payment is available for eligible casual employees of businesses trading in Queensland, as well as eligible employees who have exhausted their sick leave entitlements.

Read about the hardship payment.

Supporting apprentices and trainees wage subsidy

If you are an apprentice or trainee, your employer may be eligible for a 50% subsidy for your wages from January to March 2020. This may assist your employer retain you as an apprentice or trainee.

Find out about the supporting apprentices and trainees wage subsidy.

Support for individuals and households

You may be eligible for financial assistance from the Australian Government, including:

  • income support payments and a coronavirus supplement of $550 per fortnight for existing and new recipients of the JobSeeker Payment, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit
  • up to 2 separate $750 payments if you receive social security, veteran or other income support, or hold an eligible concession card
  • early release of up to $10,000 of your superannuation.

Find out what support you may be eligible for.

Financial assistance tax obligations

If you have received COVID-19 financial relief, you may need to declare this as part of your earnings for tax purposes.

Read about tax on employment payments.

Reducing your expenses

If your financial situation has changed due to coronavirus, it makes sense to reduce your expenses wherever possible. Many utility companies and banks are offering relief to affected customers. Talk to your provider to seek help—they may grant payment extensions or allow you to pay in instalments.

  • Residential rent relief and support—Find information and support for residential tenants in Queensland.
  • Call your bank—If you need flexibility with finance, loans and debt, talk to your bank sooner rather than later.
  • Utility assistance—The Queensland Government is providing assistance to households through a $200 utility payment to assist with electricity and water bills this year, provided through your household electricity bill.
  • If you are struggling or in crisis, get help to sort out your money and understand your options for paying your bills—visit Moneysmart for assistance.

Job searching and career guidance

In addition to job seeking websites, there are a number of support services available to help you gain employment.

Apprentice and trainee re-engagement register
Apprentices and trainees who were in a training contract at 1 March 2020 and have since lost their job may add their details to the register or connect with employers who have posted apprenticeship and traineeship vacancies.

Centrelink
Registering with Centrelink will allow you to see if there is income support or other assistance to help you get a job.

Disability Employment Service
Jobaccess offers specialised support to assist people with disability access assistance to prepare for, find and keep a job.

Jobactive and JobSearch
Jobactive providers can help with preparing your resume and assisting you to become employment ready. Subsidies and incentives can also apply.

JobSearch can also help you look for your next job.

Labour hire
Labour hire companies provide temporary staff to employers across a range of industries.

What's Next
If you are facing retrenchment and wondering what's next, find support for retrenched workers, advice on entitlements and help with your pathway to a new career.

My Skills
Access increased online registered training organisations (RTOs) and vocational education and training (VET) options available to help you upskill and improve your qualifications.

Checking your rights and entitlements

Find out about:

Learn about workplace risk management, including advice on hygiene, self-quarantine, personal protective equipment and telecommuting.

Find out about the home office expenses you may be able to claim if you're working from home.

The National Employment Standards set out what redundancy pay may apply on employment termination. If you think you have not received the right amount of redundancy pay or you have been unfairly dismissed, be sure to seek advice.

Fair Work Ombudsman

Find out about your workplace entitlements and obligations if you are affected by coronavirus (COVID-19), including:

  • stand downs from work
  • working arrangements impacted by school closures
  • pay and sick leave entitlement, including unpaid pandemic leave.

Fair Work Commission

If you lose your job but believe you have been unfairly dismissed by your employer, contact the Fair Work Commission.

Mental health support

Help is available if you're struggling with your mental health during this time, including:

Domestic and family violence support

If you are experiencing domestic and family violence, find out about available information, services and support on the:

News and updates

Subscribe to the Support for Business and Workers e-newsletter for fortnightly updates on the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) assistance from the Queensland and Australian governments.

Last updated:
31 August 2020
Last reviewed:
6 August 2020
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