New Changes For Resurgence Support Payments (RSP) – 2 November

When the Resurgence Support Payments Scheme was created, applications were able to be made until one month after all of New Zealand had returned to COVID Alert Level 1. The recent announcement of a move to the COVID-19 Protection Framework means the Alert Level system is being replaced. This means a new approach is needed when applications for the RSP will close. It also requires a new approach to determining the end date of the period during which a decline in revenue must occur.

The Government has decided for the first three payments available during the current change in Alert Levels, the decline in revenue must happen on or before November 1. It has also been decided that people will be able to apply for payments until the first business day that is one month after that date, which is December 1.

We are aware that all these dates can be confusing. The following might make it simpler for you.

For the payments currently available a business must show a 30% decline in revenue over a continuous seven-day period at the raised Alert Level compared to a typical seven-day period in the six weeks prior to 17 August 21 (for more information about how that applies to new businesses or commonly owned groups, see our website).

• For the first payment, the seven-day period of revenue decline must fall within 17 August and 1 November. People can apply until 1 December.
• For the second payment, the seven-day period of revenue decline must fall within 8 September and 1 November. People can apply until 1 December.
• For the third payment, the seven-day period of revenue decline must fall within 1 October and 1 November. People can apply until 1 December.

For the fourth payment, the seven-day period of revenue decline can start no earlier than 22 October, and the Government did not address the end date to this period in yesterday’s decisions. Note that people have been able to apply for this payment from 29 October.

We’d also like to remind you the Government has announced that payments will be available fortnightly, from 12 November, at double the current amount, which will continue until Auckland shifts to the COVID-19 Protection Framework. You can read more about that HERE.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.