Covid19 Disaster Payments

Posted on August 4, 2021 by Roslyn Little

On Tuesday, the Treasury Laws Amendment (COVID-19 Economic Response No. 2) Bill 2021 was introduced into Parliament, confirming Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s comments that COVID-19 disaster payments would now be tax-free.

Under the change, COVID-19 disaster payments dating back to its introduction on 3 June will now be non-assessable non-exempt income, meaning recipients will take home more than they did under the $90 billion JobKeeper wage subsidy program, which was taxed.

Workers who lose 20 or more hours of work a week will receive $750 a week, while those who lose between eight and 20 hours will receive $450.