Support During Industry Shut Down - Greater Sydney

The NSW Government has announced that all construction work will pause in Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong, and Shellharbour from 12.01am, Monday 19 July 2021. Details about the announcement can be found on the NSW Government website.

During this difficult time, the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Entitlement Fund will be your safety net.

COVID-19 Payments are now available to eligible workers.

About COVID-19 Payments

Eligible PPTEF worker members will be able to access COVID-19 Payments from their account of $7,500 or the balance of your account (whichever amount is lower). This claim type allows you to remain connected to your employer whilst still accessing support.

You can access an additional payment, 28 days after the initial payment is made as long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria and funds remain in your PPTEF account.

COVID-19 Payments are taxed at 32%*.

COVID-19 Payments Eligibility Criteria

If you are not earning an income from your employer (including leave entitlements) and have not been promised any income over the next 2 weeks because:

• of site closures by your employer due to COVID-19; or
• you are required by a medical professional to self-isolate due to exposure to COVID-19 for any period prescribed by federal or state governments

then you can claim a COVID-19 Payment.

Employer's must also complete a declaration via EmployerLink to confirm the conditions above. A separate update will go to employers informing them of what they need to do.

How to Access COVID-19 Payments

COVID-19 Claims can be made by eligible worker members by logging into your WorkerLink account.

STEP #1 – Employer declares eligibility in EmployerLink.

STEP #2 – Login to WorkerLink.

STEP #3 – Head to Lodge a Claim in quick links or the My Claims section in the menu.

STEP #4 – Select the COVID-19 Payment option.

• Once selected, declare you are eligible for the COVID-19 Payment and select Next. Note: This declaration is binding and PPTEF may require you to provide further proof of eligibility in the future.

STEP #6 – Tax File Number and Payment Details Declaration.

• Provide your Tax File Number and bank account details. Once you’ve confirmed your details, you can submit your COVID-19 payment and finalise the process.

If you're having any issues throughout the claim process, double check your employer has declared you are eligible for a COVID-19 Payment. For additional assistance, give us a call on 1300 346 033.

Other Financial Supports Available

PANDEMIC LEAVE DISASTER PAYMENT

$1,500 for each 14-day period of self-isolation, quarantine or care.

Visit this page for the eligibility criteria or visit the Services Australia website for more information.

COVID-19 DISASTER PAYMENT

$325 if the worker loses less than 20 hours of work. $600 if the worker loses 20 or more hours of work. This amount is taxable.

Visit this page for the eligibility criteria or visit the Services Australia website for more information.

LONG SERVICE LEAVE PAYMENTS

You may be eligible to access Long Service payments and can do so through Long Service Corporation.

If you have any questions, please call us on 1300 346 033 or email support@plumbersfund.org.au.

For information on Government Support that may be available, visit the Services Australia website or login to your MyGov Account.

Notes:

*The Australian Tax Office will determine the ultimate applicable tax rate. The actual tax payable by you or deduction available to you (if any) will depend on your personal circumstances and, as such, you are responsible for ensuring by independent verification its accuracy or completeness. You should seek professional tax advice, from a qualified person.