Pandemic leave disaster payment now available for Queenslanders

Queenslanders who need to self isolate, or who are in quarantine as a result of COVID-19 can now access support via a $1,500 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.

State Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment arrangements have been extended to Queensland after an agreement with the Commonwealth, and outlined that the payments are also available to Queenslanders who cannot earn an income because they are caring for someone who has COVID-19.

“Many Queenslanders are in a situation where they have had to self-isolate or quarantine and have used up their leave entitlements leaving them with no income,” the Premier said.

“They may be eligible for the payment and others may also be eligible if they’re the parent or guardian of a child aged 16 or under who has been instructed to isolate as they are a close contact.”

Queenslanders will not be eligible for the payment if they are receiving income, earnings or salary maintenance from work, receiving JobKeeper Payment or other forms of Australian or Queensland Government income support.

People can claim the payment again if their self-isolation or quarantine period is extended longer than 14 days.

For more information about the payment, access information at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disaster