Support for Incolink worker members during Stage 4 Industry restrictions

The Victorian Government has announced changes to work in construction for Metropolitan Melbourne. While these changes will have an impact - the industry is not being completely shut down.

At this difficult time, Incolink will be your safety net.

About the changes

The restrictions keep sites operating but reduce the number of people working on sites at one time and limit workers to one site. Your employer is best placed to provide information on what this means for you.

You can find the full announcement here.

Information on workplace restrictions can be found here with construction industry guidance here.

If you or someone you know is doing it tough, please know there are supports available.

Incolink Counselling 1300 000 129

Counselling and support is available to all members and their families any time of the day or night. Simply call 1300 000 129 to talk.

Government Support is Available

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is a lump sum payment of up to $1,500 to help you during the 14 days you need to self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone. If you need longer term help, check to see what other payments you may be eligible to get by using the Services Australia payment guide.

Visit the Services Australia website for more information.

COVID-19 Disaster Payment

COVID-19 Disaster Payment is a lump-sum payment of up to $750 for people who have lost work and income due to a Victoria COVID-19 public health order. Find out if you are eligible for a COVID-19 Disaster Payment via the Services Australia website.

Incolink COVID-19 Payments

If you are still employed but unable to work as a result of COVID-19, you may be eligible to access some of your Incolink funds by way of the Incolink COVID-19 Payment.

Eligible worker members receive an Incolink COVID-19 payment of $2,000 or the balance of your account (whichever amount is lower) if you have to self-isolate or if you are stood down. You can re-apply for this every 28-days if you continue to be eligible and funds remain in your account.

Eligibility Criteria

If you are not earning an income from your employer (including leave entitlements) because:

• of site closures by your employer due to COVID-19; or
• you are required by to self-isolate due to exposure to COVID-19 for any period prescribed by federal or state governments

then you can claim the Incolink COVID-19 Payment.

Your employer must also complete a declaration via EmployerLink to confirm the conditions above.

Please note: as this is not a genuine redundancy payment, Incolink is required by the ATO to withhold tax. Incolink withholds 32% tax on COVID-19 hardship payments. Note that additional tax may be payable by you when you lodge your tax return, depending on ATO rules.

Call us on 03 9639 3000 to find out if you're eligible.

Making a Redundancy Claim

If you are made redundant or are unemployed, you will be able to claim from your Incolink account using WorkerLink or the Incolink App. Information on making a claim is available via our Help Centre.

On site COVID-19 Testing

We will continue to deliver COVID-19 testing to construction sites as a main priority focusing on the areas of Metropolitan Melbourne that need it most. You can read more about our continued work along side our industry partners here.