Sick Pay Guarantee

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We can assist community members to understand and apply for the Victorian Government's Sick Pay Guarantee.

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We provide this service to assist local community members who are less computer-literate, and we promote the scheme widely to ensure as many people in the community as possible are aware of the Sick Pay Guarantee.

Below are some frequently asked questions. If you or someone you know meets the eligibility requirements, get in contact with us and we can help you access this important scheme.

What is the Sick Pay Guarantee?

The Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee supports casual and contract workers in certain occupations with five days a year of sick and carer's pay.  So you don't have to choose between a day's pay and your health. This pilot program is fully funded by the Victorian Government for two years.
 

How much will I get paid? 

Payments are made at the national minimum wage ($20.33 per hour as of 1 July 2021). You can claim up to 38 hours per year for a total of $772.54.

How many times can I make a claim?

You can claim whenever you're sick or injured or need to care for loved ones. You can claim a minimum of three hours at a time, up to 38 hours per year.

How do I know if I am eligible?

 

Casual and contract workers, including independent contractors and non-employing sole traders, in the following occupations are eligible to apply:

• Hospitality workers
• Food trades and food preparation assistants
• Supermarket workers
• Retail and sales assistants
• Aged and disability care workers
• Cleaners and laundry workers
• Security guards

In addition, workers must:

• Not have access to paid sick and carer’s leave entitlements at any job
• Be aged 15 years or older
• Physically work in Victoria
• Have the right to work in Australia
• Work an average of 7.6 hours per week or more in at least one of the occupations listed above.

Do I have to tell my employer I've made a claim?

No. Employers do not need to be involved in claims for the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee, except to provide evidence of employment where you cannot provide it yourself.

Do I have to pay the money back later?

No. The Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee is fully funded by the Victorian Government at no cost to you or your employer.

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How do I apply?

Visit us at St Arnaud Neighbourhood House and we can help you to apply for the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee or provide you with further information. No appointment is necessary, but please call if you are unsure of our opening hours.

 

If you are unable to visit us, you can access more information and apply by visiting vic.gov.au/sick-pay-guarantee or call 1800 979 641. You can also share your experience of insecure work to help us ensure all workers are supported when they're sick or need to care for loved ones.

Is information about the Sick Pay Guarantee available in my language?

Visit vic.gov.au/sick-pay-guarantee to access information about the Sick Pay Guarantee in the following languages:

– Arabic – العربيية
– Assyrian – ܐܝܵܕܵ ܠ ܟ ܲ ܐܝܵܪܿ ܘܿ ܬܐܵ
– Chinese – Traditional – 繁體中文
– Chinese – Simplified – 简体中文
– Dari - دری
– Dinka - Thu ŋjäŋ
– Greek - Ελληνικά
– Italian - Italiano
– Punjabi - ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
– Sinhalese - සිංහල
– Somali - Soomaali
– Turkish - Türkçe
– Vietnamese - tiếng Việt

You can also call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask for the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee hotline.

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