One-off $1500 payments for Victorians who have lost income during Covid-19 pandemic

Victorians who have taken a financial hit during the Covid-19 pandemic and are struggling to pay rent have been thrown a lifeline.

A one-off grant of $1500 will be provided to Victorians who have lost income as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic under a new rent relief package.

Housing Minister Richard Wynne said renters paying more than 30 per cent of their income on rent would be eligible for the payment.

Grants would also be targeted to those who had lost at least 20 per cent of their income as a result of the pandemic, backdated to May 27.

The grants would be paid directly to landlords on the renter’s behalf.

Mr Wynne also urged landlords to “show a level of compassion” for Victorians who were struggling to pay their rent amid the state’s sixth lockdown.

“This is an important initiative that is actually going to make a significant difference to people’s lives because we absolutely understand just how critical it is that those who are vulnerable have safe, affordable and secure housing in the private rental market,” he said.

Housing Minister Richard Wynne says renters paying more than 30 per cent of their income on rent would be eligible for the payment. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Luis Ascui

Victoria’s lockdown has been extended until at least September 23.

About 60 per cent of Victorians have received at least one jab, with the state aiming for 70 per cent before some restrictions can be eased.

Reaching the 70 per cent target was initially thought to happen on September 23 but rules could be eased as soon as September 19.

Victoria recorded 246 new local cases of coronavirus on Monday – 121 of those were linked to existing outbreaks.