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With the announcement from Daniel Andrews today that Victoria will remain in lockdown for at least a further two weeks, many questions have been raised as to what government support is available to us right now.

The following is a brief summary of Victorian government grants that are currently active:

COVID-19 DISASTER PAYMENTS

• For individuals who have lost more than 8 hours of work a week.
• Payments range from $200 to $750 dollars a week, depending on how many hours of work have been lost due to the lockdown. The payment amounts have increased since they were first introduced in July. 
• Applications can be made through MyGov, with full instructions on how to apply available here.

SMALL BUSINESS COVID HARDSHIP FUND

• A one-off grant of $10,000 will be available to businesses who did not qualify for the business costs assistance program back in July.
• Eligibility criteria for this grant include:
  • Having an Australian Business Number (ABN) on 28 July 2021 that is still active
  • Being registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 28 July 2021 until now
  • Your business must be able to demonstrate a reduction in turnover of at least 70% for a two week period since 27 May 2021
  • Your business must not have received funding under any of the other Victorian Government Covid packages on or after 27 May 2021
• Applications are now open here and will close on 10 September.

BUISNESS COSTS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM EXTENSION

• Successful applicants of this program will automatically receive an additional $2,800 shortly.
• Further payments are likely to continue as long as Victoria remains in lockdown.
• Eligibility criteria for this grant incudes having a business that falls within a specific list of categories that have been most impacted by the lockdown.
• For businesses who did not apply during the original run, applications have been reopened for a limited time here and they must be made before 20 August.
• Please also review the link above for further information on eligibility criteria.

LICENSED HOSPITALITY VENUE FUND EXTENSION

• Successful applicants of this program will automatically receive a further payment of between $5,000 to $20,000, dependent upon your premises capacity.
• Your business must operate in the hospitality industry to be eligible.
• Again, further payments are likely to continue should Victoria remain in lockdown.
• More information can be found here, with new applications closing on 20 August.

If you have any questions regarding anything mentioned above, please contact your usual HMH advisor on +61 3 9840 2200