More than 53,000 Covid-19 disaster payment claims granted in SEQ as workers grab cash lifeline

Within hours of opening, more than 53,000 South East Queensland workers hit by the snap eight-day lockdown applied for Covid disaster payments.

More than 53,000 southeast Queensland workers rushed to secure government Covid-19 disaster help within hours of applications opening, in a stark illustration of the economic cost of lockdowns.

People within the 11 locked down LGAs who lost work hours are able to apply for the federal government’s Covid-19 disaster payments, worth $750 or $450 a week.

Services Australia confirmed more than 53,000 claims totalling $36.5m had been granted in less than 48 hours from when applications opened.

Grattan Institute’s economic policy program director Brendan Coates said the demand for the Covid-19 payments showed the “size of the costs of lockdowns”.

The eight-day lockdown of South East Queensland is expected to cost $700m in lost economic activity. Picture: Dan Peled

The eight day lockdown of southeast Queensland, which has so far been successful in stamping a Covid-19 outbreak, was expected to cost $700m in lost economic activity.

But Mr Coates warned businesses, which were getting little help in the absence of JobKeeper, were now much more exposed to the financial impacts of lockdowns than individual workers.

The state government on Tuesday announced another $70m in support for businesses, on top of the $260m package unveiled last week.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland largely welcomed the new support measures, which include immediate relief like waiving or refunding liquor license fees and deferring payroll tax payments.

Eligibility for the one-off $5000 payments being offered by the state has also been expanded to include all small and medium businesses and large tourism and hospitality businesses across Queensland.

“Businesses are financially and emotionally exhausted from what is the fourth snap lockdown this year so we welcome the announcement of more support on the table,” CCIQ policy and advocacy general manager Amanda Rohan said.

“What businesses need now is details on eligibility, how and when to apply and what information they’ll need to have on hand to ensure they’re well placed to make the most of this support.”

Services Australia also confirmed 9,000 claims for the $200 Covid-19 cash boost for those on welfare payments, totalling $1.8m, had been granted in Queensland

People in Cairns and Yarrabah can lodge their applications with Services Australia for the Covid-19 disaster payments from next Monday.