Paid pandemic leave extended to NSW workers

In good news for workers living in NSW, you can now access paid pandemic leave if you are required to self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone who has COVID-19 and don't have access to other paid sick or carer's leave entitlements.

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.

What is the pandemic leave payment?

The payment is a lump sum payment from the Commonwealth Government of $1,500 for each 14 days you've been told to self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone with COVID-19.

The direction to self-isolate or quarantine must have come from NSW Health.

Who is eligible for paid pandemic leave?

You may be eligible if NSW Health has told you to self-isolate or quarantine for any of the following reasons:

• you have COVID-19
• you've been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19
• you care for a child 16 years or under who has COVID-19
• you care for a child 16 years or under who has been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19

You must also meet all of the following:

• you live in New South Wales
• you are at least 17 years old
• you're an Australian resident or hold a visa that allows you to work in Australia
• you're unable to go to work and earn an income
• you have no appropriate leave entitlements, including pandemic sick leave, personal leave or leave to care for another person
• your period of quarantine is after 17 September 2020

Who is not eligible for paid pandemic leave?

You will not be eligible if, during your 14-day isolation period, you receive any of the following:

• any income from paid work
• any income support payments, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Paid Parental Leave or Dad and Partner Pay
• JobKeeper payment

Our team is actively monitoring and considering the implications of legal and regulatory developments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find our COVID-19 collection here.