Tropical Cyclone Yasi - February 2011
Wage Assistance
The Australian Government announced on 16 February 2011 that Wage Assistance would be available to businesses in selected areas affected by Cyclone Yasi to help them maintain their workforce and viability of businesses and the local community.
Wage Assistance was payable to employers, including businesses, primary producers and not-for-profit organisations, that met specific eligibility criteria and was equivalent to the single rate of Newstart Allowance for up to 13 weeks. On 23 April 2011 the government announced an extension of the measure to 26 weeks of assistance.
The claiming period for this payment closed on 30 June 2011.
Updating your details
A variation form is available for employers who have already been approved for the Wage Assistance and who need to vary the information supplied on their initial application in one or more of the following ways:
- changing the address or contact details for their business
- changing bank account details
- reporting variations to employee(s).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to notify Centrelink of changes to employees’ hours?
A: Yes, you must notify Centrelink immediately if any of your employee's working hours increase or decrease. You should complete the variation form, which is available on the Centrelink website.
The information you provide in the variation form will vary your entitlement and as payments are paid in arrears the next fortnight's payment will be adjusted accordingly.
Q: How long is Wage Assistance available?
A: The program has been extended to provide an additional 13 weeks of Wage Assistance. This brings the total Wage Assistance to 26 weeks. Wage Assistance could be claimed until 30 June 2011, for a maximum of 26 weeks per full time equivalent FTE position.
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