Update for Regional Victoria - Support during state-wide industry restrictions

In response to the current Delta outbreak, the Victorian Government has announced lockdown measures will be introduced for all of Victoria.

For construction, this means Regional Victoria will join Metropolitan Melbourne with sites reduced to 25% capacity. Announcement Here

We will continue to be your safety net during this challenging time.

Our counsellors are available on 1300 000 129.

Financial support is available from Services Australia, through COVID-19 Payments if stood down, and redundancy claims if you become unemployed.

Financial Assistance – Services Australia

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.

Voluntary COVID-19 Vaccinations

We want our industry to get back to full strength as soon as possible. Incolink supports voluntary COVID-19 vaccinations encourage all members to talk to your health professional about getting vaccinated. Let's get on with the jab.

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.