The Federal Government has extended the JobKeeper scheme to 28 March 2021 with eligibility changes and reductions in pay.
These changes will not come into force until 28 September 2020 and include:
- New quarterly turnover tests to determine eligibility as at 28/9/20 and 4/1/21
- Tiered quarterly payment schemes for eligible staff as at 1/3/20
New Quarterly Tests
After 28 September 2020, organisations will have to reassess their eligibility as per their June 2020 and September 2020 BAS quarters to demonstrate that they have an ongoing significant decline in turnover.
If organisations cannot demonstrate a decline in both June and September quarters, they will not be eligible for the December 2020 quarter.
Organisations will then need to reassess their eligibility again for the March 2021 quarter. Organisations will need to demonstrate their turnover has declined in each of the previous three quarters (June, September and December 2020).
Employers that were not eligible for the initial Jobkeeker scheme to 27 September 2020 are encouraged to re-apply, as circumstances may have changed that now fit the new turnover tests. Check if you are eligible at Enrol for JobKeeper.
New JobKeeper Payments
| Quarter | Jobkeeper Fortnightly rate
(20 hours or more per week) |
Jobkeeper Fortnightly Rate
(Less than 20 hrs per week) |
| 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021 | $1,200 for those employees who, in the four weeks before 1 March 2020, were working in the business or not-for-profit for 20 hours or more per week. | $750 for those employees who, in the four weeks before 1 March 2020, were working in the business or not-for-profit for less than 20 hours per week. |
| 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021 | $1,000 for those employees who, in the four weeks before 1 March 2020, were working in the business or not-for-profit for 20 hours or more per week. | $650 for those employees who, in the four weeks before 1 March 2020, were working in the business or not-for-profit for less than 20 hours per week. |
The JobKeeper Payment will continue to be made by the ATO in arrears.
Employers will continue to be required to make payments to employees equal to, or greater than, the amount of the JobKeeper Payment above.
Jobkeeper enabling directions
It is envisaged the jobkeeper enabling directions will continue past 27 September 2020. However, if you are unsure on how to use such direction, please give Better HR a call and our friendly team will guide you.
Need help with HR?
Call Better HR on 1300 659 563
Or visit: https://betterhr2021.wpengine.com
