The government are currently offering financial support packages for people affected by COVID-19.
For a full list of government support payments, including International Student support, Jobseeker, the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment, the COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment, Food relief and more, please visit here.
- Local and International students who are experiencing hardship may be eligible for financial assistance through the Extreme Hardship Support Program.
- Students can access the Utility Relief Grant for support paying bills.
- If you are 16-21, you may be eligible for Youth Allowance.
- If you are 25 or older and studying, you may be eligible for Austudy payments.
- If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you may be eligible for Abstudy payments.
- If you are receiving a Centrelink payment, you may also have access to Rent Assistance or the Pensioner Education Supplement.
COVID-19 Disaster Payment: From June 7th 2021
This is a new payment for Victorian workers who are unable to earn income due to the current lockdown restrictions. The payment is $325 if you’ve lost less than 20 hours of work, and $500 if you’ve lost 20 hours or more of work. More info here.
COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment
Workers in Victoria who are self-isolating while waiting for a COVID-19 test result can apply for a $450 COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment, which provides financial support if someone cannot earn an income while they self-isolate.
International Students
International Students can access support through Study Melbourne’s COVID-19 support hub, free food and meals, as well as confidential support and practical help through the Study Melbourne Student Centre.
UMSU Welfare
The Welfare department provides free and confidential Food Bank service, as well as assistance with household essentials and emergency accomodation.
UMSU Legal
You can also read more information about financial counselling from our Legal department here. If your request is urgent, please contact the UMSU Legal team at legal@union.unimelb.edu.au.
![✨Tis' that time of year once more✨ SWOTVAC is upon us which means semester break is only a hop, skip and a jump away! YAY🤩
Here's how to get through sore-back-free!
👩💻Study at a desk - not your bed (we know it's tempting!)
🗓 Plan your study day - make sure to plan regular short breaks.
📱 Phone = off
🏃♂️Clear your mind with a stretch, walk or run outside!
💤 Get that much needed sleep.
🤗Take care of yourself and remember a mark does not define you.✨
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[Image description: White background. Black text writes, "Me: why does my back hurt
Also me:"
Below, a black line-drawing illustration of a figure bent over studying at a desk.]](https://umsu.unimelb.edu.au/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)