The Australian Government is extending the JobKeeper Payment to ensure that businesses and employees can access the help they need.
From 28 September, eligible businesses will need to meet new turnover tests for the JobKeeper Payment. These tests will be based on actual turnover, not projected turnover. Eligible businesses will also need to submit their declarations by the 14th of each month.
The reference date for assessing employee eligibility for JobKeeper will also change from 1 March to 1 July 2020. This means that JobKeeper payments can be claimed for employees who started after 1 March 2020, or casual employees who have worked for the same employer on a regular basis for 12 months as at 1 July 2020.
The ATO has also detailed the payment rates for the two extension periods. From 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021, employees who worked for 80 hours or more in the four weeks before 1 March 2020 or 1 July 2020 will receive $1,200 per fortnight. All other employees will receive $750 per fortnight. From 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021, the rate will drop to $1,000 per fortnight and $650 per fortnight, respectively.
Businesses will need to satisfy the decline in turnover test for the September quarter and December quarters, with the ATO to provide further information on how to undertake the calculation.
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