Do casual workers still get jobkeeper? That’s the question on everyone’s mind right now. With the ongoing pandemic, many people have been left feeling uncertain about their employment status. Casual workers, in particular, have been hit hard by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19. As a result, many have been left wondering if they’ll be eligible for the jobkeeper payment.
As someone who has worked as a casual employee in the past, I know how stressful it can be not to have job security. Being able to rely on the jobkeeper payment would be a lifesaver for many casual workers who have seen their hours drastically reduced. That’s why it’s important to understand the current eligibility requirements and how they apply to casual workers.
But with so much conflicting information out there, it can be hard to know what to believe. That’s why I’ve done my research and compiled everything you need to know about whether casual workers still get jobkeeper. From understanding the criteria for eligibility to how much you can expect to receive, I’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and explore what’s really going on with jobkeeper and casual workers.
Overview of the JobKeeper program
The Australian Government’s JobKeeper program was introduced in March 2020 as a temporary measure to help businesses retain their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program involves eligible employers receiving a wage subsidy of $1,500 per fortnight per eligible employee, with the aim of encouraging businesses to keep their staff on the payroll.
- The program was initially set to run until September 2020 but has since been extended until March 28, 2021.
- Eligible employers included those with an annual turnover of less than $1 billion, who had experienced a decline in revenue of at least 30% due to the pandemic.
- Eligible employees included full-time and part-time employees, as well as long-term casual employees who had been with the employer for more than 12 months as of 1 March 2020.
The JobKeeper program has been widely regarded as a successful intervention by the Australian Government in maintaining employment during a period of economic uncertainty. As at 31 December 2020, almost 1.5 million Australians were receiving the JobKeeper Payment.
However, the program has not been without its challenges. One area that has caused confusion is whether casual employees are entitled to receive JobKeeper payments.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are casual employees eligible for JobKeeper? | Yes, if they were employed on a regular and systematic basis for at least 12 months as of 1 March 2020 and meet the other eligibility requirements. |
| Do casual employees need to be working during the pandemic to receive JobKeeper? | No, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. |
| Can employers choose which employees receive JobKeeper? | No, if an employer is eligible for JobKeeper, they must provide it to all eligible employees, including casuals. |
It is important for employers and employees to be aware of the eligibility requirements for the JobKeeper program to ensure they receive the appropriate support during these challenging times.
Definition of Casual Workers
Casual workers refer to employees who work on an irregular basis with no guaranteed hours of work. They are usually employed to meet the demand, for instance during peak periods such as Christmas holidays or sporting events. Casual employment is usually on an ad-hoc basis that depends on the employer’s needs. It’s the nature of their service that makes them different from their full-time or part-time counterparts.
Characteristics of Casual Workers
- Casual workers are not entitled to paid leaves such as sick leave, annual leave, or personal leave.
- Casuals are paid a loading (usually 25%) to compensate for the absence of other entitlements such as annual leave and sick leave.
- Employers have no obligation to provide work to casual employees and can terminate their services at any time.
Do Casual Workers Still Get Jobkeeper?
Yes, casual workers are eligible for the JobKeeper payment scheme if they meet certain criteria. Casual workers who have been with the employer for over a year, expected to work on a regular pattern, or have been employed on an ongoing basis for over six months are eligible for the program. If the casual worker did not work for more than 12 months with the employer, they must meet the ‘long-term casual’ criterion, which means they were working on a regular systemic basis during that period.
| Eligibility Criteria for Casual Workers | Description |
|---|---|
| Long-term Casuals | Casual employees who have been with the employer for more than 12 months and have a regular work pattern. |
| Casuals with a regular pattern | Casual employees expected to work on a consistent pattern before the pandemic, and their hours have been reduced due to COVID-19. |
| Casuals employed for over 6 months | Casual employees who are not considered long-term casuals and have been employed for more than six months before March 1, 2020. |
There are some technicalities involved in the eligibility of casual workers for the JobKeeper program, and it is best to check with the Australian Tax Office or Fair Work Ombudsman to understand the requirements fully.
Are Casual Workers Eligible for JobKeeper?
One of the questions that many casual workers have been asking is whether they are eligible for JobKeeper payments. The JobKeeper program was designed to help businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to retain their employees. While casual workers may not have the same employment status as full-time and part-time workers, they are still recognized under the Fair Work Act and can be eligible for JobKeeper payments in certain circumstances.
- Casual workers must have been employed by the business for at least 12 months as of 1 March 2020 to be eligible for JobKeeper payments. This provides some job security to casual workers who have been with their employer for an extended period.
- Casual workers must be 18 years of age or older.
- Casual workers must be an Australian citizen, the holder of a permanent visa, a Protected Special Category Visa holder, a non-protected Special Category Visa holder who has been residing for more than 10 years, or a Special Category (Subclass 444) Visa holder.
Casual workers who meet these eligibility criteria are entitled to receive a fortnightly payment of $750 (before tax) through the JobKeeper program. This payment is intended to help businesses keep their casual workers attached to their employment during the pandemic and cover their wages and other expenses.
It is important to note that while casual workers are eligible for JobKeeper payments, they must meet the same eligibility requirements as other employees, including working at least one hour during the fortnight in which they are being paid. Eligibility is also subject to changes in government legislation and business circumstances, so it is important to stay informed and seek advice if you believe your entitlements have been affected.
Conclusion
Casual workers can be eligible for JobKeeper payments if they meet the criteria outlined by the federal government. It is important to understand your rights and entitlements as a casual worker during the pandemic and to seek advice if you believe you have been unfairly treated by your employer. By staying informed and understanding your eligibility, you can take advantage of the JobKeeper program to help you through these uncertain times.
| Eligibility Criteria for Casual Workers | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Employment length with the business | At least 12 months as of 1 March 2020 |
| Age | 18 years or older |
| Nationality/Visa status | Australian citizen, holder of a permanent visa, a Protected Special Category Visa holder, a non-protected Special Category Visa holder who has been residing for more than 10 years, or a Special Category (Subclass 444) Visa holder |
Table: Eligibility criteria for casual workers to receive JobKeeper payments.
How to Determine Eligibility for JobKeeper
If you work as a casual employee in Australia, you may be wondering if you are eligible for the ongoing JobKeeper payment. The answer depends on a few factors.
- Firstly, on 3 August 2020, a new set of eligibility criteria was established for JobKeeper. Under these new criteria, casual employees will need to ensure they have been employed continuously with the same employer for at least 12 months as of 1 July 2020. This includes any periods of unpaid leave, but excludes any periods of unpaid maternity or paternity leave.
- Secondly, if you were employed on a regular and systematic basis on a casual basis for at least 12 months as of 1 March 2020 and had already been employed as of that date, you may be eligible for the previous version of JobKeeper.
- Lastly, if you are a long-term casual employee with the same employer (i.e. at least one year with the employer), you may also be eligible for JobKeeper provided you are still employed as of 20 March 2020.
It is important to note that even if you meet the eligibility requirements for JobKeeper, your employer ultimately decides whether or not to enroll in the scheme.
If you believe you are eligible for JobKeeper, it is important to discuss this with your employer and provide any necessary documentation to support your claim.
Alternative Eligibility Tests
If you do not meet the above eligibility criteria, there may still be alternative tests that can determine your eligibility for JobKeeper. These include:
- The 80-hour threshold test, which assesses if you worked over 80 hours in the four weeks before 1 March 2020.
- The business participant test, which assesses if you are actively engaged in your own business or have a shareholding of at least 20% in a business.
- The Commissioner’s discretion test, which assesses if you have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and should still be eligible for JobKeeper despite not meeting the other eligibility criteria.
If you believe you may be eligible under one of these alternative tests, you should discuss this with your employer or seek advice from a professional.
Keeping Track of Eligibility
It is important to keep track of your eligibility for JobKeeper, as it may change as the scheme evolves. For example, the eligibility requirements for JobKeeper were updated in August 2020, so even if you were previously eligible, you may no longer be so.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website provides detailed information on the eligibility criteria for JobKeeper, including the alternative tests. It is a good idea to review this information regularly to ensure you remain eligible for the scheme if it is applicable to you.
Additionally, your employer will have obligations to the ATO regarding your eligibility for JobKeeper. This means they may need to provide regular updates on your employment status or ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for ongoing payments. It is important to stay in communication with your employer regarding your eligibility for JobKeeper.
| Key Takeaways: |
|---|
| – Casual employees must have been employed continuously with the same employer for at least 12 months as of 1 July 2020 to be eligible for JobKeeper. |
| – There may be alternative eligibility tests that can determine your eligibility for JobKeeper if you do not meet the initial criteria. |
| – It is important to keep track of your eligibility for JobKeeper and to stay in communication with your employer. |
How to Register for JobKeeper
If you are a casual worker, you may be eligible for the JobKeeper payment under the Australian Government’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To receive this payment, you need to register through your employer. Here’s how:
- Contact your employer to check if they intend to participate in the JobKeeper scheme.
- If your employer is participating, fill out the Employee Nomination Notice form that they provide and return it to your employer as soon as possible. This form confirms that you agree to be nominated by your employer to receive the JobKeeper payment.
- Make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for JobKeeper, including being over 16 years old and currently employed or a rehired employee who was employed as of March 1, 2020.
- Provide your employer with your Tax File Number, so they can include you in their monthly application process.
- Your employer will then notify you if you have been selected for the JobKeeper payment and the amount that you will receive.
Frequently Asked Questions About JobKeeper Registration
Here are some of the commonly asked questions about registering for the JobKeeper payment:
- Does my employer have to nominate me for JobKeeper?
- Yes, your employer has to nominate you for JobKeeper and provide the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) with your details in their monthly application.
- Can I nominate myself for JobKeeper?
- No. Only employers can nominate their eligible employees for JobKeeper.
- Do I have to work a certain number of hours to be eligible for JobKeeper?
- No, there is no minimum number of hours that you need to have worked to receive the JobKeeper payment, but you must have been employed as of March 1, 2020.
What Happens After I Register for JobKeeper?
After you have registered and nominated by your employer for the JobKeeper payment, the ATO will contact your employer for their monthly application. Your employer will receive the JobKeeper payment from the ATO and will then pay you the amount that you are entitled to based on your employment status and hours worked.
| Employment status | Amount received per fortnight |
|---|---|
| Full-time employees (employed as of March 1, 2020) | $1,500 |
| Casual employees (employed as of March 1, 2020 and a fortnightly pay period that included at least one day in the last pay period before March 1, 2020) | $1,500 |
| Long-term casual employees (employed on a regular basis for at least 12 months as of March 1, 2020) | $1,500 |
Remember, the JobKeeper payment lasts until March 28, 2021, so if you are eligible and haven’t registered yet, it’s not too late to do so.
Can casual workers receive JobKeeper if they have multiple employers?
Yes, casual workers can receive JobKeeper payments even if they have multiple employers. According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), casual employees can only receive the JobKeeper payment from one employer at a time. This means that if a casual worker has more than one job, they must choose which employer they want to receive the JobKeeper payment from.
- Casual workers must inform their chosen employer that they have additional employers.
- The employer must then apply for the JobKeeper payment on behalf of the employee.
- The employer will then be reimbursed for the JobKeeper payment from the government.
It is important to note that if a casual worker receives JobKeeper payments from multiple employers, they risk facing penalties and repayment obligations.
The complexities of JobKeeper for casual workers with multiple employers
Casual workers who have multiple employers may find the JobKeeper payment process complicated and confusing. The ATO has provided guidance on how casual workers with multiple employers should go about applying for and receiving the JobKeeper Payment.
Casual workers with multiple employers must provide their chosen employer with a “JobKeeper nomination notice”. This notice informs the employer that the employee has nominated them as their primary employer for the JobKeeper payment. It also states that the employee has not nominated another employer for the JobKeeper payment and that they understand they can only receive the payment from one employer.
If a casual worker does not provide their chosen employer with a JobKeeper nomination notice, they run the risk of not receiving the payment at all or receiving it from the wrong employer. In these cases, there may also be penalties and repayment obligations for both the employee and the employer.
| Important dates for casual workers with multiple employers | Actions |
|---|---|
| 20 April 2020 | Start of JobKeeper scheme. |
| 1 May 2020 | Scheme commences for the first monthly period. |
| 8 May 2020 | Employers must enrol for the JobKeeper scheme to access the payments for eligible employees. |
| 31 May 2020 | End of first monthly period for the JobKeeper scheme. Employers must report eligible employees for this period by this date. |
| Every month | Employers must provide monthly updates to the ATO on eligible employees. |
Casual workers with multiple employers should speak to their chosen employer or seek professional advice to ensure that they understand their obligations and entitlements under the JobKeeper scheme.
Changes to JobKeeper eligibility and payment rates
The Australian Government has recently made changes to the eligibility criteria and payment rates for JobKeeper, which is a wage subsidy aimed at supporting businesses and their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes are designed to better target the support to businesses and workers who need it the most.
- From 28 September 2020, businesses and not-for-profits will need to satisfy an ongoing decline in turnover test to remain eligible for JobKeeper payments. This means they will need to demonstrate that their actual GST turnover has fallen in the relevant quarter, compared to the same quarter in 2019.
- From 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021, businesses and not-for-profits that meet the eligibility criteria will receive a reduced JobKeeper payment of $1,200 per fortnight for eligible employees who were working full-time, or an average of 20 hours or more per week, in the four weeks before 1 March 2020. The payment will be $750 per fortnight for eligible employees who were working less than 20 hours per week in the four weeks before 1 March 2020.
- From 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021, businesses and not-for-profits that meet the eligibility criteria will receive a reduced JobKeeper payment of $1,000 per fortnight for eligible employees who were working full-time, or an average of 20 hours or more per week, in the four weeks before 1 March 2020. The payment will be $650 per fortnight for eligible employees who were working less than 20 hours per week in the four weeks before 1 March 2020.
In addition to the above changes, the JobKeeper payment has been extended until 28 March 2021, and businesses and not-for-profits that no longer qualify for the subsidy will be able to access other support measures. These include the JobMaker Hiring Credit, which provides incentives for businesses to hire younger workers, and the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy, which encourages employers to take on new apprentices and trainees.
It is important to note that the above changes only apply to businesses and not-for-profits that are currently eligible for JobKeeper. If your business or employer is not registered for JobKeeper, or your employment has been impacted by COVID-19 but you are not eligible for JobKeeper, you may be able to access other support measures such as JobSeeker or the Coronavirus Supplement.
Conclusion
The changes to JobKeeper eligibility and payment rates are designed to provide targeted support to businesses and workers who need it the most during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important for businesses and employees to familiarise themselves with the changes and ensure they meet the eligibility criteria if they wish to access the subsidy.
| JobKeeper Payment Rates | Eligibility Criteria | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| $1,200 per fortnight for full-time workers, $750 for part-time workers | Decline in actual GST turnover of at least 30% (50% for businesses with a turnover of more than $1 billion); other eligibility criteria apply | 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021 |
| $1,000 per fortnight for full-time workers, $650 for part-time workers | Decline in actual GST turnover of at least 30% (50% for businesses with a turnover of more than $1 billion); other eligibility criteria apply | 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021 |
If your business or employer is no longer eligible for JobKeeper, you may be able to access other support measures such as the JobMaker Hiring Credit or the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy.
Do Casual Workers Still Get JobKeeper FAQs
Q: Are casual workers eligible for JobKeeper payments?
A: Yes, casual workers are still eligible to receive JobKeeper payments if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Q: How long will casual workers be eligible for JobKeeper payments?
A: Casual workers will be eligible for JobKeeper payments until September 27, 2020.
Q: How much will casual workers receive in JobKeeper payments?
A: Casual workers will receive $750 per week before tax or their normal wage, whichever is lower.
Q: Can casual workers receive JobKeeper payments from multiple employers?
A: No, casual workers can only receive JobKeeper payments from one employer.
Q: What if I am a new casual employee, can I still receive JobKeeper payments?
A: Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can still receive JobKeeper payments as a new casual employee.
Q: Do I need to be an Australian citizen to receive JobKeeper payments as a casual worker?
A: No, you do not need to be an Australian citizen to receive JobKeeper payments as a casual worker.
Q: What if I have been a casual worker for less than 12 months?
A: If you have been a casual worker for less than 12 months, you may still be eligible for JobKeeper payments if you meet certain eligibility criteria.
Closing Title: Thanks for Reading About Do Casual Workers Still Get JobKeeper
Thanks for taking the time to read about whether casual workers still get JobKeeper payments. We hope that this article has helped you understand the eligibility criteria and requirements for receiving these payments, and that you feel more prepared to navigate the current economic climate as a casual worker. Be sure to check back again for more helpful articles and information!