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Covid-19: Asset test for $500 weekly payment to workers scrapped

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The asset test limiting who can access weekly payments of up to $500 for losing work hours during a Covid-19 lockdown will now be waived.

The asset test limiting who can access weekly payments of up to $500 for losing work hours during a Covid-19 lockdown will soon be waived.

From week three of a state-ordered lockdown тАФ such as the one currently taking place in Sydney тАФ workers will be able to access federal government household support payments regardless of their assets.

Previously people who lost more than 20 hours work could only get $500 a week if they had less than $10,000 in liquid assets.

Those who lost less than 20 hours of work could access $325 a week, but also only if they did not have the assets.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is expected to announce the changes in Sydney on Thursday following a National Security Committee meeting earlier that day.

The payment is only available from the second week of lockdown onward.

It is understood the asset test will only be waived from week three of a lockdown.

More to come.

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