As part of a pilot program to trial sick pay for casual workpapers, the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee provides eligible contract and casual workers with a guarantee that they will receive sick pay if they cannot work due to illness.

This program has recently been extended for another year and will now run until 13 March 2025.

ELIGIBLE JOBS

People working in the following industries may be eligible for this program:

• Food, hospitality and accommodation

• Retail, sales and supermarkets

• Factories, manufacturing and supermarket supply chains

• Administration, clerical and call centres

• Cleaning and laundry

• Beauty, fitness, tourism and outdoor recreation

• Taxi, rideshare and delivery driving

• Security

• Carers, aides, health and welfare support

• Farm, agriculture, forestry, gardening and animal care

• Arts and creative industries

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible for this program, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be 15 years or older. If you are under 18 years old, you will need a parent or guardian to consent to the program on your behalf

• Physically work in Victoria

• Have the right to work in Australia

• Work an average of 7.6 hours per week or more in an eligible job

• Don’t have access to paid sick and carer’s leave entitlements at any job

Eligible contractors include self-employed people with no other employees, such as sole traders.

Temporary residents, permanent residents, visa holders and New Zealanders can participate in the program provided they meet all the requirements above.

People who live outside of Victoria or who work for a Company based outside of Victoria may also be eligible for the program, provided they physically work in Victoria.

HOW TO SIGN UP?

You can sign up for the Sick Pay Guarantee program through Services Victoria. You can only receive payments from the program once you are signed up.

To sign up for the program, complete the eligibility check on the Victorian Government Services website. Log into your Service Victoria account (or create a new one if you don’t have one) and submit your details.

To complete the application, you must submit your ID, proof of work documents, and bank details. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed, and you will be notified of the outcome of your application in around five business days.

For more information on the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee, click here.

If you have any questions about this program, or wish to discuss it further, please get in touch with us on 0434 084 635 or email amy@albaccounting.com.au