JobKeeper has been extended for two further periods, the quarter ending December 2020 and the quarter ending March 2021. Whilst the extension had been announced in July the supporting legislation has now been registered.

Enrolment in JobKeeper 2 is available to businesses already receiving JobKeeper and new entrants. However, to qualify for JobKeeper 2 all businesses must pass a new actual GST decline in turnover test.

To qualify for JobKeeper 2.0 for the December 2020 quarter a business must show a 30% decline in turnover comparing actual GST turnover for the September 2020 quarter with September 2019 quarter.

To qualify for JobKeeper 2.0 for the March 2021 quarter a business must show a 30% decline in turnover comparing actual GST turnover for the December 2020 quarter with December 2019 quarter.

The two periods are assessed independently, so you could fail for the December 2020 quarter but be eligible for the March 2020 quarter.

So, you should check your sales to date to see how you compare to last year. Contact us if you need assistance.

Payment to employees is two-tired and depends on actual hours worked (or paid leave/public holidays) in the 28 day reference period (i.e. 4 pay weeks).


Payment Amount
                           Hours per 28 day period                                     December 2020 Quarter             March 2020 Quarter
Higher rate          80 hours or more                                                           $1,200                                               $1,000
Lower rate           Less than 80 Hours                                                            $750                                                  $650



For employees who were eligible for JobKeeper from 1st March you need to look at the last 4 pay weeks prior to 1 March 2020 AND the last 4 pay weeks prior to 1 July 2020. You then pick the higher figure for each employee.

For employees who were eligible for JobKeeper from 1st July you need to look at the last 4 pay weeks prior to 1 July 2020.

Confused. Not surprised. Talk to us we can help.

To qualify for JobKeeper 2.0 businesses will be required to complete new forms which are to be released by the ATO in dur course. Further employers must advise employees of applicable JobKeeper rates within 7 days.

Whilst these rules are complicated, I believe we should all appreciate the enormous effort required by the ATO to implement JobKeeper in a very short space of time.