If you need to self-isolate and are unable to work while waiting for your coronavirus (COVID-19) test result, you may be eligible for the COVID-19 Test and Isolate support payment.
NSW workers can apply for the $320 payment if they:
- meet the
- agree to follow while waiting for their COVID-19 test result.
Applications are now open for tests taken on or after 13 August 2021. You'll need to apply for the payment within 7 days of having the test.
Eligibility
To be eligible you must:
- be aged 17 years or over
- live in one of the following local government areas (LGAs) of concern
- have had a COVID-19 test (nose and throat swabs known as PCR tests) due to experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or be the carer or guardian of someone who has had a test due to experiencing symptoms
- have needed to self-isolate after your COVID-19 test, or be the carer or guardian for someone who needed to self-isolate after their test
- be likely to have worked during the period of self-isolation and are unable to work due to:
- being required to self-isolate following a COVID-19 test
- having to care for someone who is required to self-isolate following a COVID-19 test.
You are not eligible if you:
- can work from home during your time of self-isolation
- receive any income, earnings or salary during your time of self-isolation
- have access to sick leave, carers leave or special pandemic leave
- receive income support from the Australian Government (including the COVID-19 Disaster Payment or Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment) or financial support from the NSW Government (such as the micro-business grant or JobSaver payment) during your time of self-isolation
- have been directed by NSW Health to test and isolate as you’re a close contact of a known case
- have had a
- are an essential worker living in an eligible LGA and are required to test every 3 days.
What you need
- a MyServiceNSW Account – you can create one when you start your application
- details of the date, time and location of your COVID-19 test (including the reference number provided by NSW Health or the testing facility, if known)
- one proof of identity document such as your Australian Drivers Licence, Medicare card or passport
- proof of address such as a rates notice, lease agreement or utility bill
- proof of employment or self-employment such as a payslip, contract, letter from employer or ABN
- your bank account details for payment.
Note: You will have to repay the $320 payment if you:
- do not self-isolate while waiting for your results
- provide false or misleading information in your claim.
How to apply
- Check you meet the .
- Have your ready for uploading.
- Select the ‘Apply online’ button.
- Log in, or create your MyServiceNSW Account.
- Verify your identity.
- Confirm your personal details.
- Answer the eligibility questions.
- Enter details of your COVID-19 test.
- Attach supporting proof of employment and proof of address documents.
- Enter your bank account details.
- Review your application.
- Complete the declarations.
- Submit your application.
After you submit your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your application reference number.
Successful applicants will be paid the $320 lump sum within 3 days of submitting their application.
More information
- You must agree to follow while waiting for your COVID-19 test results.
- You can only apply for the COVID-19 Test and Isolate support payment once every 30 days, from the date of the COVID-19 test.