Tiếng Việt
Official Update from LEVISA: The Australian Government has announced essential Financial Support for residents in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) who have lost work or experienced a severe reduction in working hours due to the COVID-19 lockdown. This is commonly referred to as the COVID Canberra (COVID Allowance Canberra).
LEVISA has directly contacted Services Australia to confirm critical details, especially regarding eligibility for temporary visa holders.
Eligibility Confirmation: International Students & Temporary Visa Holders
Absolutely Yes. Any individual holding a visa that grants work rights in Australia, and whose employment has been affected by the ACT lockdown, is eligible to apply for the COVID Disaster Payment ACT. This includes international students and other temporary visa holders.
You are eligible for the Trợ cấp COVID Canberra regardless of your employment status (full-time, part-time, or casual). This is the key International Students COVID Payment many are searching for.
For full official eligibility details, please refer to the Services Australia page: Who can get it.
Application Process for Non-Citizens via the Centrelink Hotline
The application process differs slightly between Australian citizens and non-citizens (including international students) who do not have a Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN). This process is vital for accessing Hỗ trợ tài chính cho người không phải công dân (Financial Support for Non-Citizens).
Application Method for Non-Australian Citizens:
Since non-citizens do not have automatic access to a MyGov-linked CRN, you must apply directly through the Centrelink hotline:
Hotline Number: 180 22 66
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Weekends: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
List of Required Documents and Information:
Government officials will request the following information from international students and other visa holders over the phone to establish an account and submit the claim for the COVID Disaster Payment ACT. Please have the following items ready:
Passport
Driver’s Licence (if applicable)
Australian Bank Account details (BSB and account number)
Credit Card information (for verification purposes)
Payment Rates and Verification for the COVID Disaster Payment ACT
Allowance Rates Based on Lost Working Hours:
The payment you receive from the Trợ cấp COVID Canberra is directly determined by the number of hours you lost due to the lockdown during the specific claim period:
$450 AUD: If you lost at least 8 hours but less than 20 hours of work, or a full day of work, during that week.
$750 AUD: If you lost 20 hours of work or more during that week.
Important Rule: Voluntarily Not Attending Work
This Hỗ trợ tài chính cho người không phải công dân does not apply if you voluntarily chose not to go to work. This support package is only for those whose hours or job were completely halted by the mandatory public health order (lockdown).
If your workplace (e.g., supermarket, essential service) remained open and you were able to work but actively chose not to, you will not be eligible for the COVID Disaster Payment ACT.
Calculating Lost Hours for Casual Employees
If you are a casual employee, you should calculate your average lost working hours.
Example: If your typical weekly hours were 30 hours, but the lockdown reduced your current work to 10 hours, you would claim based on the 20 lost hours.
Note on Verification: Services Australia case officers may contact your employer to cross-reference the information provided. You are not required to provide physical evidence when submitting the claim over the phone.
Key Dates for COVID Disaster Payment ACT Claims
Affected Period for Claim: The hours you can claim will be based on the hours you lost during the period of 13 August – 19 August 2021.
Applications Open: 20 August 2021
Applications Close: 9 September 2021
The LEVISA team hopes this detailed and verified information is helpful and answers all your questions regarding the Trợ cấp COVID Canberra. We urge everyone to stay safe, prioritize well-being, and comply with all ACT Government guidelines.
If you found this guide helpful and relevant, please LIKE and SHARE this post. Your support can help this critical financial information reach as many affected international students and visa holders as possible.
LEVISA – Tư vấn Hồ sơ du học – định cư
Hotline Việt Nam: 081 748 1818
Hotline Úc: (02) 6185 4470
Trụ sở chính: Level 1/11-17 Swanson Ct, Belconnen ACT 2617, Australia
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Website: https://levisa.com.au/
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Email: hello@levisa.com.au
