Are you a small business owner or an employee of a business impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic? If so, you may be eligible for the Australian government’s JobKeeper payment, which provides financial support to businesses and employees affected by the economic downturn. However, many people have found the process of claiming their JobKeeper payment to be confusing and time-consuming.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps to claiming your JobKeeper payment each month. From checking your eligibility to submitting your application, we will provide you with a simple and easy-to-follow guide. With our help, you can ensure that you receive the financial support you need during these challenging times.
We understand that it can be overwhelming to navigate the complex process of accessing government support, especially when you are already dealing with the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic. That’s why we want to make the process of claiming your JobKeeper payment as straightforward and painless as possible. So let’s get started!
Eligibility criteria for JobKeeper payments
The JobKeeper payment is a government initiative aimed at helping businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to keep paying their employees. To be eligible for JobKeeper payments, you must meet certain criteria.
- Your business must have a turnover of less than $1 billion and have experienced a decline in revenue of at least 30% (for businesses with a turnover of $1 billion or more, the decline must be at least 50%).
- You must have been in business on or before 1 March 2020.
- You must have employees who are eligible.
- You must have enrolled for JobKeeper payments.
The eligibility criteria for employees are as follows:
- They must have been employed by your business on or before 1 March 2020.
- They must be full-time or part-time employees, or casual employees who have been with your business for at least 12 months as at 1 March 2020.
- They must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or visa holders who have been in Australia for at least 10 of the past 12 months (as at 1 March 2020).
- They must not be receiving the JobKeeper payment from another employer.
How to apply for JobKeeper payments
If you meet the eligibility criteria for JobKeeper payments, you can apply by following these steps:
- Enrol for the JobKeeper payment through the ATO website.
- Identify your eligible employees and notify them that you intend to claim the JobKeeper payment on their behalf.
- Ask your employees to complete a JobKeeper employee nomination notice.
- Provide the ATO with details of your eligible employees and their monthly pay.
- Submit monthly reports to the ATO to ensure you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
JobKeeper payment amounts
The JobKeeper payment is a flat rate of $1,500 per fortnight (before tax) for each eligible employee. This amount is paid to your business, which is then responsible for paying it to your employees. If your employees earn less than $1,500 per fortnight, the JobKeeper payment will boost their income to this amount. If they earn more than $1,500 per fortnight, the JobKeeper payment will simply supplement their income.
| Period | Payment rate |
|---|---|
| 30 March 2020 – 27 September 2020 | $1,500 per fortnight (before tax) |
| 28 September 2020 – 3 January 2021 | $1,200 per fortnight (before tax) for employees working 20 hours or more per week; $750 per fortnight (before tax) for employees working less than 20 hours per week |
| 4 January 2021 – 28 March 2021 | $1,000 per fortnight (before tax) for employees working 20 hours or more per week; $650 per fortnight (before tax) for employees working less than 20 hours per week |
It’s important to note that while the JobKeeper payment is designed to help businesses keep paying their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is not a permanent solution. As such, it’s important to have a long-term plan in place to ensure your business remains sustainable beyond the pandemic.
Registering for JobKeeper with the ATO
Registering for the JobKeeper payment scheme with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Step 1: Check your eligibility – Before you register, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the JobKeeper payment scheme. You must be an eligible employer or have an eligible business, and you must have experienced a significant decline in revenue due to COVID-19.
- Step 2: Enrol for JobKeeper – If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can enrol for the JobKeeper payment scheme by logging in to the Business Portal on the ATO website. If you don’t have a myGovID, you can create one online. You will need to provide the following information:
- Your ABN or, if you are a sole trader, your individual tax file number (TFN)
- Your bank account details for receiving the JobKeeper payments
- The details of each eligible employee or business participant you wish to claim the JobKeeper payment for
- Step 3: Confirm eligibility – Once you have enrolled, the ATO will confirm your eligibility for the JobKeeper payment scheme. You will receive an email notification from the ATO indicating whether or not you have been approved.
FAQs: Registering for JobKeeper with the ATO
Here are some commonly asked questions about registering for the JobKeeper payment scheme with the ATO:
Q: Do I need to register every month for the JobKeeper payment?
A: No, once you have registered for the JobKeeper payment scheme and have been approved by the ATO, you do not need to re-register every month. However, you will need to notify the ATO of any changes to your eligible employees or business participants, as well as changes to your bank account details.
Q: How long does it take to receive the JobKeeper payment?
A: Once you have enrolled and have been approved for the JobKeeper payment scheme by the ATO, you can expect to receive the payments within a few business days.
JobKeeper Payment Rates
The JobKeeper payment rates vary depending on whether you are an eligible employee or a business participant. Here is a breakdown of the current payment rates:
| Employee | Fortnightly payment rate |
|---|---|
| Full-time | $1,500 |
| Part-time | $1,500 |
For business participants, the payment rate is also $1,500 per fortnight. This includes eligible sole traders, partners in a partnership, and directors of a company.
Calculating and reporting on JobKeeper payments
One of the most important aspects of claiming JobKeeper payments is calculating and reporting them correctly. Here are the key things you need to know:
- You need to determine which employees are eligible for JobKeeper payments and ensure they receive at least $1,500 before tax per fortnight.
- You also need to keep track of which eligible employees have been paid and how much they have been paid.
- When reporting to the ATO, you’ll need to provide information about eligible employees, the amount paid to them, and other key details such as your business’s ABN and bank account information for receiving payments.
Calculating eligibility and payments
When it comes to calculating eligible employees and payments, there are some important factors to keep in mind:
- Eligibility is based on certain criteria, such as the employee’s employment status and their income prior to the pandemic. You’ll need to determine which employees meet these criteria in order to claim JobKeeper payments on their behalf.
- You’ll also need to keep track of the amount you’re paying each eligible employee per fortnight. If an employee normally earns more than $1,500 per fortnight, it’s up to you whether to top up their payment to the full amount or simply pay them the JobKeeper amount.
- Finally, remember to ensure you’re paying employees in line with the relevant pay cycle, and keeping accurate records of payments made.
Reporting payments to the ATO
When it comes to reporting JobKeeper payments to the ATO, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
Firstly, you’ll need to ensure you’re reporting on time and submitting all required information. The ATO provides detailed guidance on what you need to report and when, so make sure you’re following these guidelines carefully.
You’ll also need to provide information about each eligible employee and their payments. This includes their name, date of birth, and TFN, as well as the amount paid to them for each fortnight.
| Information required for ATO reporting | Examples |
|---|---|
| Employee name and date of birth | John Smith, 01/01/1990 |
| Employee Tax File Number (TFN) | 123 456 789 |
| Amount paid to employee for each JobKeeper fortnight | $1,500 |
| Business ABN and bank account information | 123 456 789, Commonwealth Bank, BSB 062-001, Account Number 12345678 |
By keeping accurate records and reporting on time, you’ll ensure your business is eligible to receive the JobKeeper payments you’re entitled to.
Making a JobKeeper claim as an employee
Claiming JobKeeper payments as an employee is a relatively simple process. Here’s what you need to do:
- Check if your employer is eligible for JobKeeper payments. They need to have suffered a decline in turnover of at least 30% (or 15% for charities) to qualify.
- Make sure you were employed by the business as of their eligible date (usually 1 March 2020).
- Confirm with your employer that they have enrolled in the JobKeeper scheme and have included you in their eligible employee list.
- Provide your employer with a completed JobKeeper employee nomination notice to declare that you are not claiming JobKeeper payments from any other employer.
- On a monthly basis, notify your employer that you are still eligible to receive JobKeeper payments by completing a JobKeeper employee declaration.
Once your employer receives the JobKeeper payment from the government, they will pay you $1500 before tax (or your usual wage if it exceeds this amount) for each JobKeeper fortnight you are eligible for. It’s important to remember that your employer cannot pay you more than the amount they receive from the government.
If you have questions about the JobKeeper scheme or your eligibility to receive payments, speak to your employer or contact the Australian Taxation Office for further information.
The JobKeeper scheme has been a vital lifeline for many businesses and employees during these uncertain times. By following the steps outlined above and working together with your employer, you can ensure that you receive the payments you are entitled to.
| Important dates: | What it means for you: |
|---|---|
| From 20 April 2020: | Your employer can enrol in the JobKeeper scheme. |
| By the end of each month: | You need to notify your employer of your eligibility status for the upcoming JobKeeper fortnight. |
| By the end of each month: | Your employer needs to submit their monthly declaration confirming your eligibility and pay you the JobKeeper payment. |
By staying informed and keeping in communication with your employer, you can successfully claim JobKeeper payments as an employee and protect your financial stability during these challenging times.
Making a JobKeeper claim as an employer
As an employer, claiming for the JobKeeper payment is absolutely essential in order to provide financial relief for both you and your employees during these ongoing challenging times. Here are the steps you need to follow in order to claim your JobKeeper payments:
- Firstly, ensure that your business is eligible for the JobKeeper scheme and that you have registered for it. You can check the eligibility criteria on the ATO website.
- Calculate which of your employees are eligible for the JobKeeper payment. The ATO website provides a step-by-step guide to help you calculate the amounts owed to each eligible employee.
- Notify your eligible employees that you will be claiming the JobKeeper payment on their behalf. You must obtain their consent in writing before you make any claims.
To officially claim your JobKeeper payment, you need to do the following:
- Log into the ATO Business Portal and select the JobKeeper payment link.
- Provide the ATO with your eligible employees’ details and confirm that each employee has agreed to be nominated by you as their employer.
- Make a monthly declaration of your eligible employees and their eligibility during the month.
What if I make a mistake on my JobKeeper claim?
If you make an error while claiming your JobKeeper payment, don’t worry – you can fix it. The ATO provides employers with the opportunity to amend their claim to correct any mistakes made. However, it is important to fix any errors as soon as possible to ensure that your employees’ payments are not affected and to avoid potential penalties.
JobKeeper payment rates
The JobKeeper payment rates depend on the eligibility of your employees and the dates in which you claim for. The ATO website provides an accurate breakdown of the different payment rates for eligible employees.
| Period | Full rate per fortnight | Employee working less than 20 hours |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Sept 2020 – 3 Jan 2021 | $1,200 | $750 |
| 4 Jan 2021 – 28 Mar 2021 | $1,000 | $650 |
By following these simple steps, you can successfully claim your JobKeeper payment and provide necessary financial relief for both your business and your employees.
Enrolling for JobKeeper extension payments
If you’re a business owner who has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, then JobKeeper extension payments could be a great way to support your employees and keep your business afloat. Here are the steps you need to follow to enroll for the JobKeeper extension payments:
- Check if you’re eligible – Before you can enroll for JobKeeper extension payments, you need to make sure your business is eligible. There are various criteria that need to be met, including showing a decline in turnover. Visit the ATO website to learn more about eligibility requirements.
- Calculate employee eligibility – Not all employees will be eligible for JobKeeper extension payments. You need to calculate which employees meet the eligibility criteria and ensure that they have completed the necessary forms.
- Enroll through the ATO – Once you’ve established your eligibility and employee eligibility, you can enroll through the ATO’s Business Portal. You’ll need to provide some basic business and employee information to complete the enrollment process.
It’s important to ensure that you enroll for each JobKeeper fortnight to ensure that your employees receive their payments. This can be done through the Business Portal and involves updating your employee information for that fortnight.
JobKeeper extension payments processing
Once you’ve enrolled for JobKeeper extension payments, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in regards to processing:
- Make sure your employees are paid – As the employer, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your employees receive their JobKeeper payments. These payments need to be passed on to employees and recorded in your business accounts.
- Keep accurate records – You also need to keep accurate records of payments made to employees and any other information related to the JobKeeper extension payments. This will help you to audit your records if required and ensure that your business is compliant with ATO requirements.
- Ensure business compliance – Lastly, it’s important to ensure that your business is fully compliant with ATO regulations and requirements. This includes making sure that your business information is up-to-date and accurate, and that you are meeting all deadlines and requirements.
JobKeeper extension payments rates
If you’re curious about the rates for JobKeeper extension payments, then take a look at the table below:
| JobKeeper extension period | Payment rate per fortnight (per employee) |
|---|---|
| 28 September 2020 to 3 January 2021 | $1,200 for full-time employees and business participants, $750 for part-time employees |
| 4 January 2021 to 28 March 2021 | $1,000 for full-time employees and business participants, $650 for part-time employees |
It’s important to note that these rates are subject to change and you should refer to the ATO website for the latest information.
Troubleshooting JobKeeper payment issues
As an employee receiving JobKeeper payments, there may be times when you experience payment issues. This can be a stressful and confusing situation, but there are steps you can take to solve the problem. Here are some of the common troubleshooting issues that you might encounter:
- Incorrect payments: If you notice that your JobKeeper payment is incorrect, you’ll need to contact your employer or the ATO to resolve the issue. Check that the correct income and hours have been reported by your employer.
- Delayed payments: If your JobKeeper payment is delayed, don’t worry. You’ll receive back payments for any missed payments once the issue is resolved. However, it’s important to contact your employer or the ATO to find out the reason for the delay and when you can expect to receive your payment.
- Wrong ATO reporting: If your employer has reported incorrect information to the ATO, such as incorrect income or hours worked, this can affect your JobKeeper payment. You’ll need to contact your employer and request that they update the information with the ATO.
What to do if you’re experiencing payment issues
If you’re experiencing any payment issues with your JobKeeper payments, here are some steps you can take to resolve the problem:
Contact your employer: The first step is to contact your employer and ask them to clarify the issue or provide an update on when you can expect to receive your payment. They may be able to resolve the issue themselves, or they may need to contact the ATO to rectify the problem.
Contact the ATO: If you can’t get a resolution from your employer, you can contact the ATO directly. You can call their helpline on 13 28 61 or use their online enquiry form. They’ll be able to investigate the issue and provide advice on what you can do to resolve it.
Check your details: Make sure that your personal and bank details are up to date and correct. If there’s an issue with your details, this can cause payment delays or non-payment. You can check your details on the myGov website.
Common reasons for JobKeeper payment issues
Here are some of the common reasons why JobKeeper payments may be affected:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Incorrect information | If your employer has reported incorrect information to the ATO, this can affect your JobKeeper payment. Make sure that your employer has the correct income and hours worked information. |
| Change of employment | If you’ve changed employers or stopped working during the JobKeeper period, this can affect your eligibility for payments. |
| Employer eligibility | If your employer is no longer eligible for JobKeeper payments, this can affect your ability to receive payments. |
If you’re experiencing JobKeeper payment issues, try not to worry. There are steps you can take to resolve the problem and get the payments you’re entitled to. Contact your employer or the ATO for help and advice.
FAQs: How Do I Claim My JobKeeper Monthly?
Q: How do I know if I’m eligible for JobKeeper?
A: To be eligible, you need to meet certain criteria, including being an employee or business owner impacted by COVID-19. Visit the ATO website for full details.
Q: How do I apply for JobKeeper?
A: As an employee, you cannot apply directly. Your employer must apply on your behalf. If you’re a business owner, you can apply on the ATO website.
Q: How do I prove my eligibility?
A: Your employer will need to provide evidence that you meet the JobKeeper criteria. This includes proving that you were employed as of March 1, 2020 and that your hours have been reduced due to COVID-19.
Q: How much will I receive from JobKeeper?
A: The payment amount varies depending on your employment status and work hours before and after COVID-19. Visit the ATO website for more information.
Q: When will I receive my JobKeeper payment?
A: Payments are made monthly in arrears to your employer, who then pays you. Your employer must submit their monthly report to the ATO by the 14th of the following month.
Q: What if my employer doesn’t pass on the JobKeeper payment?
A: If you suspect your employer is not passing on the JobKeeper payment, you can report them to the ATO. Your employer can face penalties for not passing on the payment.
Q: What if I have more questions about JobKeeper?
A: You can visit the ATO website for more information or speak to your employer. You can also contact the ATO for assistance.
Thanks for Reading!
We hope this article helped you understand the basics of how to claim your JobKeeper payment each month. Remember to check your eligibility, ensure your employer is applying for the payment on your behalf, and keep track of your monthly payments. If you have any further questions, please visit the ATO website or speak to your employer. Thanks for reading, and visit again for more helpful articles!