How to Get the $250 Coronavirus Supplement - COVID Economic Support Payment
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented economic challenges, prompting governments worldwide to implement financial support measures. In Australia, the Economic Support Payment was a key initiative to provide relief to millions of citizens during the crisis. This blog post explores the $250 Economic Support Payment, detailing its purpose, eligibility criteria, distribution process, and implications for recipients.
The Australian Government’s Response to COVID-19
The Australian government rolled out multiple stimulus packages to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the 2020-21 Budget, the government allocated $2.6 billion for the Economic Support Payment, targeting approximately five million Australians. This initiative included two $250 payments, distributed in December 2020 and March 2021, to support vulnerable individuals and families during critical periods like the holiday season and the start of the new year.
Details of the Economic Support Payment
The Economic Support Payment was designed to provide direct financial assistance to those most affected by the economic downturn. Here are the key details:
Payment Amount: Two payments of $250 each, totaling $500 per eligible recipient.
Payment Dates: The first payment was processed progressively from 30 November 2020, and the second from 1 March 2021.
Eligibility Dates: Recipients needed to be eligible on 27 November 2020 for the first payment and 26 February 2021 for the second.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Economic Support Payment, individuals had to be living in Australia and receiving one of the following Centrelink payments or holding specific concession cards on the eligibility dates:
Eligible Payments/Cards | Notes |
|---|---|
Age Pension | |
Disability Support Pension | |
Carer Payment | |
Carer Allowance | For those not receiving a primary income support payment |
Family Tax Benefit (Parts A and B) | For those not receiving a primary income support payment |
Double Orphan Pension | For those not receiving a primary income support payment |
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card | |
Pensioner Concession Card | For those not receiving a primary income support payment |
Certain Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) payments/cards | Details available at DVA website |
Note: Individuals receiving $1 or more of the Coronavirus Supplement were generally ineligible, as this was a separate support measure.
How to Receive the Payment
The Economic Support Payment was distributed automatically by Services Australia, meaning eligible recipients did not need to apply or contact the agency. Payments were deposited directly into the bank accounts linked to their Centrelink or DVA accounts. For recipients of Family Tax Benefit who claimed a lump sum for the 2020-21 financial year, the payment was included after they confirmed their income, typically after July 2021.
Tax and Social Security Implications
The $250 payments were non-taxable, so recipients did not need to declare them as income on their tax returns. Additionally, the payments did not count as income for social security purposes, ensuring they did not affect eligibility for other government benefits or pensions. This made the Economic Support Payment a straightforward financial boost for recipients.
The Broader Impact
The Economic Support Payment reached around five million Australians, providing critical support during a time of economic uncertainty. With a total cost of $2.6 billion, the initiative targeted vulnerable groups, such as pensioners, carers, and families, helping them manage expenses during the holiday season and beyond. This was part of a broader $291 billion economic support package announced by the Australian government as of May 2021, which included various measures to support workers, businesses, and communities affected by lockdowns and restrictions.
What If You Missed the Payment?
As of May 2025, most eligible individuals have already received the Economic Support Payments, as they were distributed in 2020 and 2021. However, if you believe you were eligible but did not receive the payment—perhaps due to changes in your Centrelink status or issues with your account—you can contact Services Australia for clarification. Be aware that new payments are unlikely at this stage, but Services Australia can provide guidance on your specific situation.
Conclusion
The $250 Economic Support Payment was a vital lifeline for millions of Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing automatic, non-taxable financial assistance, the government helped ease the burden on vulnerable households. While the payments have largely been distributed, understanding their structure and eligibility can provide valuable context for those researching Australia’s pandemic response or seeking to resolve payment issues.
For further details, visit the official websites of Services Australia and the Department of Social Services.