More money for people made redundant because of the lockdown.

The ‘COVID Income Relief Payment’ will be available for 12 weeks from 8 June for anyone who lost their job due from March 1.

It will pay $490 a week to those who lost full-time work and $250 for part-time.

The payment will not be taxed. The scheme is similar to the Job Loss Cover payment introduced by the National Government during the Canterbury quakes, and has a number of similarities to the ReStart package for workers who lost their jobs in the Global Financial Crisis.

People with partners still working may be eligible for this payment, as long as their partner is earning under $2000 per week.

To see if you’re eligible click here.