Neighbourhood houses helping casual workers to access sick pay

The Victorian Government is helping more casual and contract workers to access sick and carer’s pay through a partnership with Neighbourhood Houses Victoria.

Up to 100 neighbourhood houses across the state will provide free assistance to help community members sign up and claim the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee.

The Sick Pay Guarantee provides up to 38 hours a year of sick and carer's pay to eligible casual and contract workers in certain jobs.

Workers who are currently eligible include casual and contract retail and sales assistants, hospitality workers, aged and disability care workers, supermarket workers, supermarket supply chain workers, cleaners, laundry workers, security guards, food trades workers and food preparation assistants such as cooks, bakers, fast food workers and kitchen hands.

The $245.7 million two-year pilot is fully funded by the Victorian Government. More than 55,000 workers have signed up to the program.

Eligible workers can sign up and claim the Sick Pay Guarantee online or on the Service Victoria app. Community members who need help to sign up, particularly those who may experience technology or language barriers, can now also get direct support through a neighbourhood house.

For more information and the full list of participating neighbourhood houses, visit Neighbourhood Houses Victoria.