13.6.6 Coronavirus Supplement

13.6.6 Government Response to Coronavirus – Coronavirus Supplement

The Coronavirus Supplement was a temporary fortnightly payment for eligible recipients to address the economic impact of the Coronavirus. It was available to certain students receiving support under the Veterans’ Children Education Scheme and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (the Education Schemes).

Eligibility for the Coronavirus Supplement

In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements for the Education Schemes, in order to receive the Coronavirus Supplement, a person must have been receiving the education allowance at a similar rate to Youth Allowance.

Education Schemes students eligible for the Coronavirus Supplement were:

• aged 16 or over and receiving the education allowance at any rate; or
• receiving the education allowance at the Living Away from Home rate; or
• receiving the education allowance at the Homeless rate; or
• receiving the education allowance at the Double Orphan rate.

Students who met the above criteria were eligible to receive the Coronavirus Supplement, even if they reside overseas. 

Coronavirus Supplement Amount

From 27 April to 24 September 2020, the Coronavirus Supplement was paid at a rate of $550 per fortnight.

From 25 September to 31 December 2020 the rate was $250 per fortnight.

From 1 February to 31 March 2021, the rate was $150 per fortnight.

Coronavirus Supplement ceased to be payable from 1 April 2021.

Taxation of the Coronavirus Supplement

The Coronavirus Supplement has the same taxable status as the education allowance it is attached to. Further information on the education allowance taxation explanation is at section 13.3.8 Taxation under education schemes of the Compensation and Support Policy Library in CLIK.