COVID-19 has disrupted life in Australia, with many people losing their job or having their income reduced.
As a result, many are now finding themselves in need of support.
Sydney man Ramey Elali recently discovered he had become temporarily unemployed.
“I didn’t really feel the impact of this whole pandemic until I was told by my employer of nine years that I am standing down, that they don’t require me for at least two-and-a-half to three months," the 37-year-old told SBS News.
"So, at least for the moment, I have lost my job."
“It’s a bit mind-blowing that this is where I am at right now, that I’ve got to go look for another temporary job … it is crazy that this is the case," Mr Elali said.
Ramey Elali has temporarily lost his job. Source: Supplied
As a result, he is now spending more time video blogging and using social media as an outlet.
”I think it has forced a lot of people to think of other ways to utilise their time, and I think it's very healthy to reach out and communicate because this is a big test for a lot of people mentally."
Where can you get advice if you have recently lost your job?
One of the first services you can reach out to if you are now unemployed is the program, a free government initiative by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).
Its senior executive leader Laura Higgins says there has been a recent spike in Australians asking for help compared to the eight million who normally visit the website each year.
“One in three Australians are coming to Moneysmart to find some trusted information to start making significant financial decisions," she said.
"They’ve got to budget differently, they’ve lost their job or are functioning on a reduced income, so they come to Moneysmart to go 'okay, where do I start with this financial decision?'
People are seen queuing outside a Centrelink office in Bondi Junction, Sydney, Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Source: AAP
"It’s a starting place for people to look at their financial health, make some plans for the next six months ... and make some changes in how they run their household."
Moneysmart will assess your personal situation, provide you with financial strategies for stability over the short-term, detail a plan for the long-term, and guide you to other agencies who will help you get back to work.
Alternatively, has also been set up by the government, featuring representatives from various portfolios to assist retrenched workers in finding new employment as soon as possible.
The network also aims to assist employers through the retrenchment process. They work closely with Services Australia and the state and territory governments.
A consultant will assess your personal circumstances and they will help you to update your resume, indicate relevant career options going ahead, or job vacancies in your area or city, and provide you with access to an interpreter if one is required.
What payments are available for those now unemployed?
The government has announced those who have lost their job or regular shifts may be eligible for its fortnightly $1,500 from their employer. You should contact your employer to find out more.
If you are not eligible for JobKeeper, you have two alternatives: the and the .
The JobSeeker payment is $565.70 per fortnight for those who are single and unemployed, with other payments available depending on circumstance.
The Coronavirus Supplement is an additional top-up payment of $550 per fortnight for those receiving eligible support payments such as JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Sickness Allowance, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance, Abstudy or Austudy payment categories.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says those in Australia should find out what support they are eligible for. Source: AAP
The program began on 27 April 2020 and will be available for at least 6 months.
You may even be eligible for payments of $1,100 per fortnight through both initiatives.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has constantly encouraged struggling Australians to explore these options.
“If you’re not eligible for JobKeeper, then JobSeeker is the alternative," he has said.
“Both programs should be seen as complementary, but we would be calling upon all employers that were eligible, because their turnover had fallen below the threshold, to register their interest with the ATO, to fill in the forms and to support their employees.
"But ultimately, to support themselves because there will be the other side to this pandemic.”
What other payments are available?
There are conditions applying to some payments - including if your partner is still working (it depends on your joint income figure, which will be assessed).
People are also still eligible if they have savings, and the standard one-week waiting period has also been waived.
If you are out of a job because of illness or you are caring for someone, you are still eligible for financial support payments such as JobSeeker Payment, Parenting Payment or Youth Allowance.
If you are worried about your monthly bills and need to limit your outgoing money for the months ahead, you can contact your insurance company. They can pause premiums in times of financial hardship. They may also have financial assistance available.
People in Australia line up outside Centrelink. Source: AAP
This advice also applies to your bank, lender and utility provider. You may be able to pause payments for a period of time due to financial hardship.
You should consider getting in touch with the which can provide financial counselling to Australians and offer strategies to get you in a better position, or a private financial counsellor.
Some other helpful resources include:
What support is available for businesses?
Support mechanisms are also in place for businesses who have had to put their operations on hold, close or let go of staff.
For example, the NSW Government has responded to the needs of regional communities, allocating a $140 million Bushfire Industry Recovery Package.
This assistance is on top of the millions of dollars recently allocated from the state’s COVID-19 stimulus package towards the rebuilding of regional infrastructure projects.
The NSW government has also rolled out a $14 million small business advisory program. This initiative is being implemented to help business owners cope during the COVID-19 crisis and is called Business Connect.
Support is available for businesses hit by the bushfires and now COVID-19. Source: AAP
It will provide 30 additional advisors to consult with small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) and help them navigate through this difficult time.
The NSW government also recently announced a $10,000 fast relief assistance scheme for small businesses. Applications remain open until 1 June 2020.
Meanwhile, the Victorian government has established an economic survival package to support businesses and individual workers.
There is also a $500 million Business Support fund which aids the hardest hit sectors such as hospitality, tourism, accommodation, retail, entertainment and arts. And a rent relief program for tenants in government buildings is available, as well as private landlords being encouraged to provide rent relief.
Other support mechanisms, as well as the JobKeeper and JobSeeker schemes, include cash flow boosts for employers, temporary relief for distressed businesses, instant Asset Write-Off options and support measures for apprentices and trainees.
For a state by state breakdown of survival packages, grants and support visit
What about mental health and wellbeing support?
For those who have lost their job, it is understandable if you are feeling worried, afraid, anxious or overwhelmed.
Support services such as Lifeline and Beyond Blue offer mental health and wellbeing services as well as strategies to help you look after yourself.
Readers seeking support with mental health can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. More information is available at .
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