Victorians struggling to pay rent because of multiple coronavirus lockdowns will be eligible for a one-off grant of up to $1,500.
The state government announced the grant on Monday, after reporting 246 new locally acquired coronavirus cases.
Housing Minister Richard Wynne said tenants paying more than 30 per cent of their income toward rent will be eligible for grants of up to $1,500, paid directly to landlords on their behalf.
Grants will be targeted at those who have lost at least 20 per cent of their income as a result of the pandemic, backdated to 27 May.
"We absolutely understand just how critical it is that particularly those who are vulnerable have safe, affordable and secure housing in the private rental market," Mr Wynne told reporters on Monday.
He encouraged landlords to show "compassion" to tenants in difficult circumstances.
Casual workers on holiday and working visas, international students, seasonal workers, refugees, temporary protection visa holders and New Zealand citizens will also be eligible for the payment.
An annual income limit of $62,860 for singles and $93,400 for couples will apply.
The government will also spend $45 million to extend its hotels for the homeless program until 30 June, 2022.
More than 2,000 homeless Victorians have been housed in hotels by the state government during the pandemic, with most moving into long-term rental accommodation and other housing solutions.
Of the state's 246 new cases, 121 are linked to known outbreaks, with the source of the remaining 125 infections under investigation.
There are now a total of 1,619 active COVID-19 cases in the state, which will remain under tough lockdown restrictions until at least 70 per cent of eligible Victorians receive their first vaccine dose.
The state achieved 60 per cent first dose coverage on Sunday and is expected to reach the 70 per cent target by about 18 September, sooner than the government anticipated.
Meanwhile, priority vaccination bookings opened for year 12 students, teachers, exam supervisors and assessors on Monday, as part of a 10-day blitz.
The state government wants all year 12 students vaccinated with at least one dose before their final exams.
Several schools, including Gladstone Park Secondary College, Roxburgh College, Point Cook Secondary, Lakeview Senior College and Dandenong High School, will be set up as vaccination hubs.
COVID-19 Commander Jeroen Weimar said more than 30,000 calls were made to the Year 12 priority vaccination hotline since 8am.
"There's no frantic rush. The doses are set aside for you. Everyone who wants to get it done can get it done," he said.
SBS is providing live translations of daily New South Wales and Victoria COVID-19 press conferences in various languages.
