The COVID-19 Short-Term Absence Payment was available for businesses, including self-employed people, to help pay their employees who could not work from home while they waited for a COVID-19 PCR test result.
It was available between 9 February 2021 and 17 October 2022. Applications for the Short-Term Absence Payment have closed.
If you cannot work from home while you are self-isolating, you may be eligible for the COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme. Your employer needs to apply for you. You can also apply if you are self-employed.
You may also be eligible for the scheme if you or someone you care for is at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Your employer can get $600 per week if you work full time, and $359 per week if you work part time to pass on to you. Talk to your employer if you think you meet the criteria.
If you have lost your job or you cannot work at the moment, you may be able to get help from Work and Income.
Use the online tool to find out what type of help you may qualify for.
If you have lost your job, cannot work or are working fewer hours, you may be able to get a benefit or some other financial help from Work and Income.
Work and Income can help with urgent costs like:
- food
- accommodation costs, for example rent, board, or the cost of owning a home
- power, gas, heating or water bills
- medical and dental costs.
You do not need to be on a benefit to get financial support.
