We hope that you are keeping safe during lockdown. On 6/08/21 Service NSW updated some of the key eligibility conditions for the support payments currently available.

In summary, the eligibility criteria for the Business Grant, JobSaver Payments and Micro-Business Grant has been given additional flexibility when determining the decline in turnover.

We note that the current eligibility only refers to the Greater Sydney lockdown. We do not have any additional guidance as to whether this will change to include lockdown in other regions of NSW that has occurred after the greater Sydney lockdown.

Business Grant

Updated eligibility guidance:

• have experienced a decline in turnover of 30% or more due to the Public Health Order over a minimum 2-week period from 26 June 2021 to 17 July 2021 compared to:
• the same period in 2019, or
• the same period in 2020, or
• the 2-week period immediately before the Greater Sydney lockdown commenced (11 June to 25 June 2021).

Previously, we were only required to compare to the same period in 2019 (unless special circumstances were identified). All other details remain the same (please refer to our previous information here) 
 
If we have previously provided you with an accountant’s letter detailing your percentage decline in turnover we will provide you with a new letter only if your decline in turnover moves tier. We are currently working on this for you.
For example, if your current accountant’s letter details that your business has seen a 30% decline in turnover and after reassessing your turnover based on the updated comparison periods we find that your business has seen a 45% (or 70%) decline; we will issue you with a new accountant’s letter.
 
You will need to withdraw your previous application with Service NSW if you wish to pursue a higher payment tier. We will provide you with more guidance on how to do this if we deem you to be eligible.

JobSaver

Updated eligibility guidance:

• have experienced a decline in turnover of 30% or more due to the Public Health Order over a minimum 2-week period within the Greater Sydney lockdown (commenced 26 June and due to end 28 August 2021) compared to:
• the same period in 2019, or
• the same period in 2020, or
• the 2-week period immediately before lockdown commenced (12 June to 25 June 2021).

Previously, we were required to compare only to the same period in 2019 (unless special circumstances were identified). All other details remain the same (please refer to our previous information here)
 
If we have previously determined that your business is eligible for JobSaver Payments these changes do not impact you. Please proceed with your application process as previously advised.

Micro-Business Grant

Updated eligibility guidance:

• have experienced a decline in turnover of 30% or more due to the Public Health Order over a minimum 2-week period within the Greater Sydney lockdown (commenced 26 June 2021 and due to end 28 August 2021), compared to:
• the same period in 2019, or
• the same period in 2020, or
• the 2-week period immediately before the Greater Sydney lockdown commenced (11 June to 25 June 2021)

 
Previously, we were required to compare only to the same period in 2019 (unless special circumstances were identified). All other details remain the same (please refer to our previous information here) 
 
If we have previously determined that your business is eligible for the Micro-Business Grant these changes do not impact you. Please proceed with your application process as previously advised.

Next Steps

If you believe that the above changes impact you and your business, please Click here to contact us.

If we have already engaged you to carry out the work, we will provide you with a new (updated) accountant’s letter if applicable.
If we have not yet engaged you to carry out the work for the relevant grant/s we will send you an engagement letter on receipt of your email.
 
We realise that these changes impact many of our client’s eligibility and we know this is a tough time for you and your business but we kindly request your patience as we work through this matter.
 
We also realise that many clients have not yet received any of their payments from Service NSW. Service NSW has advised that they are currently inundated with applications and are working seven days a week to process them. You can also track the progress of your payment via the ‘Business Profile’ on the Service NSW website. Once your application is approved you should see the payment in your bank account within 5-7 business days.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us.