Lost your job or income due to coronavirus – find support – Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District

The Victorian and Australian governments have created a several programs to support Victorians through this challenging time. If your job or wellbeing have been affected by coronavirus (COVID-19), you may be eligible for a range of support options.

Financial support for loss of income

Jobseeker payment: the Australian Government unemployment payment
JobKeeper payment: This payment is paid to businesses and passed on to employees. Your employer needs to apply for this payment via the Australian Tax Office. This payment is also available to eligible sole traders (people who work for themselves as a subcontractor, including performers and tradespeople).
Coronavirus supplement: paid in addition to the Jobseeker or JobKeeper payment
The first Economic Support Payment of $750, made to all existing payment recipients and concession card holders who received their payment or card before 13 April 2020
The second Economic Support Payment of $750 paid to the same recipients as the first, provided that person does not receive the Coronavirus supplement with their payment
The Australian Government has also lifted some restrictions and obligations on recipients of the Jobseeker payment – find out more at the Department of Social Services
For a complete list of coronavirus-related assistance from the Australian Government, visit the Department of Social Services
If you are a Victorian resident and have been diagnosed with coronavirus and do not have access to sick leave, you may also be entitled to the $1500 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Worker support payment

Rent or mortgage support

If you are having difficulty paying your rent or mortgage, private arrangements can be made with your bank or landlord. If you are having issues with your bank or landlord, you can get support from Consumer Affairs Victoria.
If you are facing housing insecurity or homelessness, you can get support from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Looking for work?

Register your details with Working for Victoria to access new work opportunities and training.
Business owners and employers can find information on financial support at Business Victoria.

Budgeting and debt help

For support with debt, contact the National Debt Helpline
If you need help with budgeting, MoneySmart has many useful resources

Mental health resources

Isolation and financial worries can affect mental health. The Department of Health and Human Services has many videos and tips to support your mental health and your loved ones during coronavirus.
If you need urgent support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or use their crisis support chat option.

More Victorians in work

The Victorian Government has announced $2.7 billion to build the projects that matter to Victoria – and create the jobs that matter to Victorians.

This announcement is a tremendous boost for local businesses and local workers.

All tenderers will be required to find employees through Working for Victoria initiative in the first instance, which has already helped thousands of Victorians who have lost employment find new opportunities.

Working for Victoria is supported by a digital platform that helps employers find workers fast, with the skills and experience to meet their needs.

This support is underpinned by the Victorian Government’s Local Jobs First policy which ensures that local small and medium size enterprises are given a full and fair opportunity to compete for both large and small government contracts, helping to create job opportunities, including for apprentices, trainees and cadets.

	The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District acknowledges the Yorta Yorta People of the land which comprises the Goulburn Valley. We pay respect to tribal Elders, past, present and emerging and we celebrate their continuing culture and acknowledge the memory of their ancestors.
	The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District is a peak body whose mission is to promote and represent the social, cultural and economic well-being of ethnic communities in the Goulburn Valley Region through the provision of quality and innovative settlement, refugee support, community development, and information and advocacy services.