Update for Parts of Industry Reopening

The NSW Government has announced that From 31 July (this Saturday), work can recommence on construction sites, subject to the site to completion of a COVID-19 Safety Plan for each site in Greater Sydney.

Construction sites in the identified LGAs with additional restrictions will remain closed. Construction workers who reside in these LGAs may not leave their local area for work. These LGAs are Fairfield, Liverpool, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Blacktown, Georges River, Parramatta and Campbelltown local government areas.

For those in these impacted areas, know that support is available to you.

The Plumbing and Pipe Trades Entitlement Fund will be your safety net.

Government Financial Support

We stongly recommend anyone who has not yet done so to contact Services Australia or the MyGov helpdesk by phone to enquire about financial support.

Services Australia: 180 22 66
MyGov Help Desk: 13 23 07

For more information on how much you can get, visit the Services Australia website.

PANDEMIC LEAVE DISASTER PAYMENT

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

For workers who:

• Cannot earn income due to a requirement to self-isolate or quarantine because you have COVID- 19 or have been a close contact of someone who does (having been directed by a health official) or are caring for a child who has COVID-19 or is a close contact of someone who does (note: in these circumstances a 14 day quarantine/self-isolation period would be required).
• Are aged above 17 years old;
• Live in a state or territory (NT currently not listed).
• Are Australian residents or hold an eligible working visa;
• Have no entitlement to relevant paid leave or have exhausted their entitlement.

Claims can be made via telephone (by calling 180 22 66). Or by completing a form.

Visit the Services Australia website for more information.

COVID-19 DISASTER PAYMENT

$450 if the worker loses less than 20 hours of work. $750 if the worker loses 20 or more hours of work. This amount is taxable.

For workers who:

• Live or work in a Commonwealth declared COVID-19 hotspot.
• Cannot attend work and lost income on or after day 8 of COVID-19 restrictions;
• Have no entitlement to relevant paid leave or have exhausted their entitlement.
• are an Australian resident or hold an eligible working visa;
• are aged 17 years or older; and
• have liquid assets of less than $10,000 Via a MyGov Account linked to Centrelink.

Visa holders can claim by telephone (by calling 180 22 66).

Workers cannot receive payment if they are receiving any income support payment or the Pandemic Leave disaster Payment for the same period.

Visit the Services Australia website for more information.

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Long Service payments and can do so through Long Service Corporation.

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.

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.