Federal Parliament has recently passed important coronavirus economic support measures to help cushion the blow of the COVID-19 crisis for Australians, including those living in rural and regional areas.
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Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, Mark Coulton said the government's assistance will provide support to regional Australians, where many are still feeling the effects of drought, bushfires and floods.
Farm Household Allowance, jobseeker, youth allowance, parenting and special benefit payments will be boosted by a Coronavirus Supplement of $550 a fortnight from April 27.
In addition to the $750 stimulus payment already announced, the Federal government will provide a further $750 payment to social security and veteran income support recipients and eligible concession cardholders, except those who are receiving an income support payment that is eligible to receive the Coronavirus Supplement.
People are encouraged to submit a jobseeker payment claim online with the service capacity being increased.
The government's business hotline will give more support to small and medium businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Operations at business.gov.au/ and the 13 28 46 contact centre have increased from five days per week to seven. The centre is also offering additional hours of support outside standard operating hours for the first month, answering calls from 7am to 11pm AEST.
For more information on how to get assistance in these uncertain times, visit www.australia.gov.au/.