COVID-19 NSW: Individuals – Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment

This program aims to provide support to people living in New South Wales who can’t earn an income because they must self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone who has COVID-19, and do not have access to entitlements such as paid leave.

One lump sum payment is payable per person for each 14-day period of directed quarantine or self-isolation or caring. The 14-day period or part thereof must fall on or after 17 September 2020.

A separate application must be made for each 14-day period being claimed. Each applicant must apply separately.

Eligible applicants must:
- Be at least 17 years old and live in New South Wales.
- Be an Australian resident or hold a visa that gives them the right to work in Australia.
- Be unable to go to work and earn an income.
- Have no appropriate leave entitlements, including pandemic sick leave, personal leave or leave to care for another person.
- Have a period of quarantine after 17 September 2020.
- Be told by the NSW Health to self-isolate or quarantine and be given these directions for any of the following reasons:
a) Have coronavirus (COVID-19).
b) Have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19.
c) Have cared for a child, 16 years or under, who has COVID-19.
d) Have cared for a child, 16 years or under, who’s been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19.

Individuals may also be eligible if they're caring for someone who has COVID-19.

Members of a couple can both claim this payment. They will need to complete separate claims.