Sydneysiders under lockdown can access Commonwealth financial support from Thursday.

Centrelink will pay $500 per week to those who have lost 20 hours or more of work, and $325 those who have lost fewer than 20 hours. 

When asked about the “easiest and most straightforward way to apply”, Services Australia General Manager Hank Jongen said:

“There’s no need to contact us until the 1st of July, but … what I really encourage people to do at this point [is] if you don’t have a MyGov account, create one … [and] link to Centrelink.

“Based on our Victorian experience, we know that if you’re eligible … we’ll pay you the next day.”

Jobseeker mutual obligation requirements have been suspended until 13 July, but income reporting is still in place.

Payments will commence from 1 July and in the Greater Sydney area, from 4 July.