Omicron outbreak support - Employer update

The Omicron outbreak Australia wide presents another set of challenges for our industry. If you are unable to work due to COVID-19, we’re here as your safety net.

Which support payments are your employees eligible for?

At lncolink, we have done our best to deliver flexible solutions. There are Commonwealth Disaster payments, and lncolink COVID-19 hardship payments of $2,000 each 28 days.

If an employee is unable to work due to COVID-19, we anticipate most employees will resume work with their same employer. That means workers are not terminated in accordance with tax law.

Workers who are unable to work due to COVID-19 are eligible for Incolink COVID-19 payments from their account balance, but they are not eligible for severance or genuine redundancy.

Entitlement to redundancy or severance payments depends on the relationship between worker and employer ending. If the employee resumes work with the same employer after claiming redundancy or severance through lncolink, it could be flagged by the ATO, and liability sits with the individual and employer.

Incolink COVID-19 Payments

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

Employers must also complete a declaration via EmployerLink to confirm eligibility. See below for declaration instructions and eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Declaration Instructions

STEP #1 – Login to EmployerLink and head to Manage Workers.

STEP #2 – Search/filter for the relevant worker/s and click their member number to edit their status.

STEP #3 – Select Change Employment Details

STEP #4 – Check the COVID-19 Payment Eligible checkbox

STEP #5 – Save changes.

Once this is completed, worker members can access COVID-19 Claims by logging into their WorkerLink account.

Eligibility Criteria

If a worker is not earning an income from their employer (including leave entitlements) because:

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

then they can claim the Incolink COVID-19 Payment.

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

Please note: as this is not a genuine redundancy payout, Incolink is required by the ATO to withhold tax from COVID-19 payments at a rate of 32%.

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

Incolink Counselling

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