The COVID-19 global pandemic has affected all of us in different ways. Luckily, the government has provided financial support to those who have been heavily affected, and one of them is the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.

For each 14-day quarantine or isolation period, the PLDP offers a payment of $1500 to help those who can’t generate income because:

• they are required to self-isolate or quarantine
• they are caring for someone who is positive for COVID-19

Who is eligible?

Those who have been required by a health official to self-isolate or quarantine because:

• They are positive for COVID-19;
• They are close contacts of those with COVID-19;
• They are caring for someone who is positive for COVID-19;
• They are caring for a child, 16 years or under, who has COVID-19; or
• They are caring for a child, 16 years or under, who is a close contact of someone with COVID-19.

Other requirements that must be met:

• You are at least 17 years old.
• You’re an Australian citizen or a permanent resident, or you hold a visa that gives you the right to work in Australia.
• You can’t go to work and earn an income.
• You have no leave entitlements, including pandemic sick leave, personal leave or leave to care for another person.

You are not eligible if you receive:

• income, earnings, or salary from paid work
• any income support payments, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Parental Leave Pay, or Dad and Partner Pay

How can you apply?

You can claim your Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment via phone with Services Australia. Contact them on 180 22 66, from Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 5pm.

If you undergo a required 14-day self-isolation or quarantine multiple times and you’d like to claim the PLDP for each, then you’ll have to file a claim for each 14-day period.

Learn more about the eligibility and how to apply for the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment by visiting the  Services Australia website.

**Source:  Factsheet: Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment