✦ Plain-English Summary

Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Extension of Coronavirus Support) Bill 2020

What it does

This bill extends COVID-19 financial support payments to eligible Australians into 2021 and 2022, and makes it easier for some people to qualify for unemployment benefits during the pandemic. It also temporarily changes rules around asset and property tests that normally affect who gets welfare payments.

Why it matters

Millions of Australians relied on these emergency payments during lockdowns and economic shutdowns. This bill keeps that lifeline in place longer, and loosens eligibility rules so more people can access help without losing payments due to savings or property ownership.

Key details

• The COVID-19 supplement payment continues from January 2021 onwards, with different end dates depending on which welfare payment you receive (Jobseeker, Youth Allowance, etc.)

• Easier qualification rules apply from January 2021 — young people and those on Jobseeker face fewer barriers, including relaxed tests on how much money or assets you can have

• Your home doesn't count against you — the bill extends the period where your main residence is exempt from asset tests, protecting homeowners claiming welfare

Official Description

Amends the: Social Security Act 1991 to: extend the COVID-19 supplement to 31 March 2021 for all persons in receipt of youth allowance, including full time students and new apprentices; extend the temporary COVID-19 qualification rules for jobseeker payment and youth allowance to 31 March 2021; end the COVID-19 exemptions from the liquid assets test waiting period and assets tests from 1 January 2021; and temporarily enable the minister to determine modifications to specified provisions of the social security law in response to COVID-19; Farm Household Support Act 2014 and Social Security Act 1991 to provide that the COVID-19 supplement and the exemptions from the ordinary waiting period, newly arrived resident's waiting period and seasonal work preclusion period cannot be extended beyond 31 March 2021; and Social Security Act 1991 and Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 to introduce a discretionary power to extend the principal home exemption temporary absence provisions for the purposes of the social security and veterans' entitlements assets tests. Also permits jobkeeper information provided to Services Australia on or before 28 March 2021 to continue to be used after that date.

Committee Referrals

Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee; Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills

No formal division recorded

This bill passed by voice vote — parliament agreed without calling a formal count. A division is only recorded when a member explicitly requests one.

No votes yet.

No votes were recorded for this bill.