Covid-19: Government Support for Business Updated

Wage Subsidy Support: Round 2 Available

For businesses affected by Alert Levels 3 and 4, the Government has started “Round 2” of the Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS) formally known as the Wages Subsidy August 2021 #2.

The eligibility criteria remain the same except:

• The 40% actual or predicted decline in revenue period is measured from 31 August 2021 to 13 September 2021 against a typical 14 consecutive days of revenue in the 6 weeks immediately before the alert level change on 17 August 2021

• If you have applied for “Round 1” WSS, you need to wait until 2 weeks after you have applied to apply for this second round – otherwise Work And Income will decline your application.

WINZ will get in touch with all people who have successfully applied for “Round 1” of the WSS, advising when you can apply for WSS #2. We recommend you diary ahead to follow up yourself, making sure you do not miss out as WSS #2 will close for application on 16 September 2021.

Please check here for more details on eligibility and declaration.  

Resurgence Support Payment: Eligibility Criteria Updated

From 9 September 2021, businesses and organisations that have been in operation for at least 1 month prior to the Alert Level increase on 17 August 2021 will be eligible to apply for the payment. The original criteria were 6 months. 

Businesses will still be required to meet the other eligibility requirements under the scheme, such as demonstrating a 30% decline in revenue. (NOTE: calculation of the decline in revenue excludes passive income). 

Please check here for more detials on eligibility.