Queenslanders self-isolating or in quarantine can now access support with a $1,500 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the payment arrangements had been extended to Queensland after an agreement with the Commonwealth.
“The payments are also available to Queenslanders who cannot earn an income because they are caring for someone who has COVID-19,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“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.”
She said they might be eligible for the payment and others might also be eligible if they’re the parent or guardian of a child aged 16 or under who had been instructed to isolate as they were a close contact.
However, they would not be eligible for the payment if they were receiving income, earnings or salary maintenance from work; receiving JobKeeper or other forms of national or State Government income support.
“People can claim the payment again if their self-isolation or quarantine period is extended longer than 14 days,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
In a statement, the Federal Government said the $1,500 lump sum Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment was already available in Victoria, Tasmania, NSW, South Australia and Western Australia.
To date, more than $15.5 million in Disaster Payments had been paid for some 10,300 granted claims since 6 August.
