How to Apply for COVID-19 Employer Assistance and Isolation Leave

What’s on offer?

Full time employees (20+ hours): $585.80/week (7,029.60 total for 12 weeks)

Part time employees (-20 hours): $350/ week (4,200 total for 12 weeks)

How will this be paid?

As a lump sum to the employer’s bank account, covering all 12 weeks of payment.

Who is eligible?

• Sole traders and self-employed people as well as companies
• Employers must have experienced or be forecasting at least a 30% decline in revenue (compared to last year) for any month between January - June 2020
• You can only apply for the self-isolation payment if your team cannot work from home.

How can you apply?

Before applying, employers have to sign a form declaring that they’ve taken active steps to manage the financial impact of COVID-19 (eg. talked to their bank/financial advisor).

You can apply at https://services.workandincome.govt.nz/ess/employer_applications/new.

What information do you need to apply?

Your reason for applying

Either revenue decline, staff self-isolation or staff sickness.

Company information

• IRD number (Company)
• Employer (Company Name)
• New Zealand Business number (NZBN)
• Business Address
• Contact Name
• Contact Email
• Contact Mobile
• Contact other phone
• Bank Account

Employee information

• First Name
• Last Name
• Date of Birth
• IRD Number
• Employment Type

What happens after I apply?

1. Work and Income will check if you qualify.
2. They might call you if they need more info about your application.
3. If it's approved, they’ll email and text to notify you that payment has been made. They’re aiming to make payments within 5 working days of receiving an application, but this depends on volumes.
4. If your application is declined, Work and Income will let you know.
5. You might be audited and reviewed as part of the approval process.