In this article we’ve listed a range of ways the Victorian Government can help if your job, business or income has been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
How Long Is The Lockdown In Victoria?
Due to the current level of community transmission of coronavirus in Victoria from the recent New South Wales (NSW) incursions, the current lockdown has been extended.
The recent lockdown ended for regional Victorians at 11.59pm (Monday 9 August). However, Greater Melbourne remains in lockdown, with the five-kilometre travel bubble still in place. Melburnians are allowed to leave only for these five reasons: getting the food and the supplies they need, exercising for up to two hours, care or caregiving, work or education if they can’t do it from home, or to get vaccinated at the nearest possible location.
What Restrictions Are In Place For Greater Melbourne?
- Can leave home only for approved reasons, 5km travel limit
- No visitors to the home except single bubble/intimate partners
- Face masks must be worn in all settings except at your own home
- All events like weddings/funerals are capped at 50 people
- Public gatherings limited to 10 people
- Remote auctions allowed
- Inspections permitted with a private appointment
What Support Is Available For Individuals and Businesses Affected By The Victoria Lockdown?
| Support | Who is it for? | How do I apply? |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 Disaster Payment. | Those who lost their work income during the July 2021 COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria | If you’ve been affected by the 16 July 2021 restrictions, find out more about it through this link |
| A one-off $1500 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment | Workers who are affected by the lockdown | Read more about it here |
| Cash grants of up to $3000 | Businesses affected by the short lockdown | Click here for more information |
| Small Business COVID Hardship Fund up to $5,000 | Small businesses with a payroll of up to $10 million who have experienced a 70 per cent or greater reduction in revenue | More details at business.vic.gov.au |
| Business Continuity Fund up to $5,000 | Businesses that are impacted by capacity limits placed on businesses by necessary public health restrictions | Find out the eligibility and nature of this scheme at pm.gov.au |
Support Available for Landlords and Tenants:
| Support | Who is it for? | How do I apply? |
|---|---|---|
| Rent Relief | Tenants impacted by COVID-19 pandemic | If in case of dispute, you can use this application form. For more information, click here |
| Land tax relief for properties with multiple tenancies | Landlords impacted by COVID-19 pandemic | The closing date for 2021 land tax relief applications was 30 June 2021. If you could not apply before the closing date,your late application may still be approved. Late applications must be lodged by 31 December 2021 through this form |
| Land tax reduction of 25% and deferral for owner-occupiers | Owner-occupiers of commercial properties can obtain a 25% waiver of the property’s 2021 land tax. | For more details, you can read this page |
There is also a range of support available for businesses from the Australian Government, including guaranteed loans, early access to superannuation and support with creditors.
Extreme Hardship Support Program
The Extreme Hardship Support Program is part of the support provided by The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH). This program has been extended to October 2021.
Red Cross is funded by DFFH to deliver the financial assistance to Victorians who are experiencing hardship because of the coronavirus pandemic.
To be eligible for the support you must:
- live in Victoria
- not receive income from the Commonwealth (such as JobSeeker or the Temporary COVID Disaster Payment)
- have none or very limited income, savings or community support
- be a temporary or provisional visa holder or an undocumented migrant
To apply, please use the Red Cross website, or a dedicated phone line 1800 855 240.
What Mortgage Relief Options Are Available In Victoria?
The big four banks in Australia have mortgage relief options for individuals and business owners.
These mortgage relief options are available if you’re affected by the lockdown in Victoria:
- Loan deferral (repayment holiday or mortgage holiday)
- Mortgage freeze
- Waived fees and charges
- Loan term extension
- Loan restructure
- Temporary reductions in repayments
Not all banks and lenders will have a coronavirus specific relief package prepared. However, they still have standard policies in place to help those who are facing financial hardship for any reason.
You can consider the following if you’ve been impacted by the pandemic financially:
- Switching to interest-only repayments
- Refinancing to a lower interest rate
- Using the money from your offset or redraw account
- Releasing equity to give you cashflow
- Consolidating debt to make repayments manageable
Remember that lockdown restrictions and the provision of reliefs change regularly. Please check coronavirus.vic.gov.au website for more information on financial support for businesses and individuals.
Are you looking for home loan support or mortgage relief options during the lockdown? We are working from home and available to help you out. Reach Home Loan Experts on 1300 889 743 or complete our free online assessment form.