Further Changes to JobKeeper
On 7 August the Federal Government announced adjustments to JobKeeper 2.0 to expand the eligibility criteria for the JobKeeper Payment due to the expanded COVID-19 restrictions imposed in Victoria. The adjustments apply nationwide and include the following:
- From 3 August 2020, the relevant date of employment for an eligible employee will be from 1 March 2020 to 1 July 2020. This will increase employee eligibility for both the existing JobKeeper scheme as well as the extension periods from 28 September 2020.
Casual employees will still be required to have been employed on a regular and systematic basis for a minimum of 12 months (as required under the existing JobKeeper scheme).
How this can affect you
From JobKeeper fortnight 10 (3 August – 16 August) you should ensure all eligible employees – including employees that fall within the increased eligibility date of 1 July 2020 – are paid a minimum amount of $1,500 per fortnight. This will make each eligible employee claimable under the original JobKeeper scheme in fortnights 10 & 11 (August), and 12 & 13 (September).
If you have newly eligible employees that are currently paid less than the $1,500 per fortnight amount, please utilise the JOBKEEPER-TOPUP pay item to ensure they are being adequately paid and JobKeeper can be applied for. All of these changes assume the legislation will be passed by parliament prior to the lodgement closing date for August JobKeeper of 14 September 2020. If the legislation is not passed and you are unable to claim the extra employees (as they are not classed as eligible under the original legislation) then you may end up out of pocket.
If you have any questions about the information above please contact the team at Abbotts, we will be happy to assist you. You can find details to get in touch with us on our contact us page.
