The JobKeeper payment is changing

From Monday 28 September, JobKeeper wage subsidies will be reduced from the current rate of $1500 per fortnight to either $1200 or $750 per fortnight depending on how many hours an employee works. Businesses must also meet new turnover tests.  

Here’s what you need to know. 

Payment rates

On 28 September, a two-tier payment system will be introduced for JobKeeper, with Tier 1 and Tier 2 workers receiving different payments – both reduced.  

To be entitled to the Tier 1 rate for your eligible employee or business participant, they must satisfy the 80-hour threshold for hours worked. If they are not entitled to that rate, they can receive the lower Tier 2 payment rate. 

• Go to How to satisfy the 80-hour threshold on the ATO website for more information 

The new payment rates and payment periods are shown below: 

Turnover test 

To remain eligible for JobKeeper, businesses must meet a turnover test for both the June and September quarters to prove their actual GST turnover fell significantly
relative to a comparable period a year ago. (From January 4 – the next phase of payments – businesses must meet the test for the December quarter as well.) 

The turnover tests are as follows: 

• businesses with turnover of $1 billion or less will have to demonstrate a 30% decline 
• businesses with more than $1 billion in turnover will have to demonstrate a 50% decline 
• charities and not-for-profits will have to demonstrate a 15% decline 

More information  

The ATO website has full details about JobKeeper, including eligibility criteria and key dates and requirements for employers. 

We’re here to help 

If you have any questions or queries, please contact our Employer Services Team on 1300 943 171 or email us.