The Government’s JobKeeper Payment helped keep Australians in jobs and supported businesses affected by the significant economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the first phase of JobKeeper (30 March to 27 September 2020) eligible businesses and not-for-profits were able to receive $1,500 (before tax) per fortnight per employee to cover the cost of wages.
During the extension phase of JobKeeper (28 September 2020 – 28 March 2021), the Payment was tapered and targeted to those businesses that continued to be significantly affected by the economic downturn. Businesses were required to reassess their eligibility with reference to their actual turnover.
In the extension phase the Payment was reduced and paid at two rates:
- From 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021, the payment rate was $1200 per fortnight for employees who worked 20 hours or more a week on average in the reference period and $750 for employees who worked less than 20 hours a week on average in the reference period.
- From 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021, the payment rate was $1000 per fortnight for employees who worked 20 hours or more a week on average in the reference period and $650 for employees who worked less than 20 hours a week on average in the reference period.
The Treasurer made rules to give effect to the JobKeeper Payment.
The ATO administered the JobKeeper Payment and detailed information and guidance on JobKeeper is available on the ATO website.