Govt release further business aid
Rowan Schindler
12 September 2021, 9:31 PM
The government has released additional Resurgence Support Payments to support business. Pictured: Finance Minister Grant Robertson.Businesses affected by higher Alert Levels will be able to apply for further Resurgence Support Payments (RSP).
“The Government’s RSP was initially intended as a one-off payment to help businesses with their fixed costs, such as rent. Ministers have agreed to provide additional payments to recognise the effects of an extended period of alert level restrictions,” Finance Minister Grant Robertson says.
“This will provide cashflow to businesses and support them in meeting their ongoing obligations as we come down Alert Levels and while Auckland remains at higher Alert Levels than the rest of the country.
“Applications for the next RSP will open on Friday 17th September. Ministers have agreed that there will be another two payments after that, three weeks apart, so long as the conditions that trigger the RSP apply.”
Minister David Parker says, “the payment and eligibility criteria to qualify for the RSP remain the same, including that those applying must experience at least a 30 percent decline in revenue over seven days (for this payment commencing 8 September) as a result of being at Alert Level 2 or higher.”
The payment includes a core per business rate of $1,500, plus $400 per employee, up to a total of 50 full-time equivalents (FTEs) which is a maximum payment of $21,500. Businesses with more than 50 FTEs can still apply but cannot get more than the maximum payment.
“The scheme will be available until all of New Zealand returns to Alert Level 1 for one month,” David Parker says.
Inland Revenue encourages those applying to ensure the accuracy of the information they provide, as if it isn’t correct that will delay processing.
“The economy is operating above pre-COVID levels thanks to our strong public health response. These principles will continue to guide our approach to supporting the economy, businesses and workers at this challenging time,” Grant Robertson says.
Businesses can apply for the payment by logging into their MyIR account. Further information can be found on the Inland Revenue website.
For more information on COVID-19 business support measures, including full eligibility criteria:
