JobKeeper program information
Please find below answers to the most frequently asked questions we’re receiving about JobKeeper program.
JobKeeper Extension
The Australian Government has extended and made changes to the JobKeeper scheme as of 28 September 2020. The extension periods are:
- Extension 1: from 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021
- Extension 2: from 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021
What does this mean for me? There are two main changes that will affect you.
- Apprenticeship Careers Australia is reassessing its eligibility for the JobKeeper scheme. We are yet to receive notification of our eligibility for the JobKeeper scheme extension and as a result, if you are eligible, we are unable to pay you the JobKeeper payment for the period 4 January 2021 to 17 January 2021. Should Apprenticeship Careers Australia be deemed eligible for the second JobKeeper scheme extension before the end of January 2021, you will be back paid for any weeks you did not receive payment during January. If Apprenticeship Careers Australia does not meet the eligibility requirements, unfortunately that means that you will no longer receive JobKeeper payments.
- Should Apprenticeship Careers Australia be eligible for JobKeeper, the ATO are reducing JobKeeper payments from 4 January 2021. This will be dependent on how many hours you have worked on average for the 4 weeks of pay periods before 1 July 2020.
- If you have worked an average of 20 hours or more per week during this period, your JobKeeper payment will be $1,000 per fortnight before tax.
- All other eligible employees will receive $650 per fortnight before tax for their JobKeeper payment.
How do we know if the business qualifies for JobKeeper?
There are two tests of eligibility for JobKeeper – one relates to the employers turnover and the other the employee’s eligibility. Both must be met in order to receive JobKeeper.
How does JobKeeper payment work?
The JobKeeper payment supports eligible businesses significantly affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) by helping with the costs of their employees’ wages, so more Australians can retain their jobs and continue to earn an income. Eligibility criteria applies to the employer and employee.
I have JobSeeker can I also get JobKeeper?
No. If you are receiving the JobSeeker payment you cannot also receive the JobKeeper payment.
Can I move from JobSeeker to JobKeeper?
Employees who have already applied for JobSeeker can notify Services Australia (formerly Centrelink) to withdraw and shift to the JobKeeper payment if their employer notifies them that they have nominated for JobKeeper and have been successful in claiming it. For more information, please visit: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/
If JobKeeper is back paid what happens to the JobSeeker payments to date?
You should seek advice from Services Australia
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/
My partner has JobKeeper, can I still apply for it?
Yes.
How long is the JobKeeper payment program available for?
The program commenced from 30 March 2020 to 27 September 2020. Changes have been made as of 28 September and the new scheme will be available until 31 March 2021.
What is the process for JobKeeper? Who gets the money from the government?
JobKeeper support will be paid to the employer if the employer meets the eligibility criteria:
The eligibility criteria is dependent on how many hours you have worked on average for the 4 weeks of pay periods before 1 July 2020.
- If you have worked an average of 20 hours or more per week during this period, your JobKeeper payment will be $1,000 per fortnight before tax.
- All other eligible employees will receive $650 per fortnight before tax for their JobKeeper payment.
For more information visit
https://www.ato.gov.au/general/jobkeeper-payment/
https://www.ato.gov.au/general/jobkeeper-payment/employees/
Recruitment Solutions Group Australia (RSGA) Trust
What is RSGA Trust?
Recruitment Solutions Group Australia Trust is your employer and the company that pays you.
JobKeeper Payments
When do my payments start and how often will I be paid?
Payments will start in the month the employer (RSGA) is eligible for JobKeeper and you will continue to be paid whilst we are eligible for the JobKeeper payment.
How will I be paid the JobKeeper payments?
If RSGA is eligible, JobKeeper payments will be paid to you regularly.
What happens if I was earning more than the JobKeeper payments, are my wages going to be reduced?
If you are on JobKeeper your minimum payment will be based on the number of hours you have worked on average for the 4 weeks of pay periods before 1 July 2020.
If my usual wage is less than JobKeeper payments, will I receive the full JobKeeper payment?
This is dependent on the eligibility criteria which is based on how many hours you have worked on average for the 4 weeks of pay periods before 1 July 2020.
- If you have worked an average of 20 hours or more per week during this period, your JobKeeper payment will be $1,000 per fortnight before tax.
- All other eligible employees will receive $650 per fortnight before tax for their JobKeeper payment
Are JobKeeper payments before or after tax?
The JobKeeper payments are before tax.
I am currently off work due to a workplace injury. Will I miss out on receiving JobKeeper payments because I can’t physically perform my role? Or will I only receive my normal weekly wage?
If you are still in an employment relationship with your employer and still partially working (e.g. reduced hours) then you can be eligible for the JobKeeper Payment, provided your employer has an obligation to pay some component of your salary or wages. However, you will not be eligible for the JobKeeper Payment if:
- You are not currently working due to incapacity and supported by a worker’s compensation scheme AND/OR
- You are fully compensated under WorkCover Insurance.
Enquiries
If you have any further questions please complete the form below. Please note we are unable to provide specific information relating to individual circumstances at this time and information will be of a general nature only.