Earthquake Support Subsidy is a payment for employers to assist them to pay their employees while they deal with the impact of the aftershock. The subsidy is also available to the self employed or business owners who draw a wage.
The payment will be made directly to the employer who will then pay the employee. The wage subsidy will be paid:
for up to six weeks from 22 February 2011 - we will contact you after three weeks to check your circumstances
at a rate of $500 per week per fulltime employee (over 20 hours per week) or a rate of $300 per week per employee for part time employees (anyone working 20 hours a week or less)
the subsidy is not subject to GST but is subject to PAYE.