Extension of time to enrol and pay

The ATO has also extended the time to enrol for the initial JobKeeper periods from 30 April 2020 until 31 May 2020.

If employers enrol by 31 May 2020, they will still be able to claim for the first two fortnights (30 March – 12 April, 13 April – 26 April) provided they meet all the eligibility requirements for each of those fortnights including having paid their employees by the appropriate date for each fortnight. Employers can still enrol and claim for JobKeeper payments earlier if they choose.

For the first two fortnights, the ATO will also accept the minimum $1,500 payment for each fortnight even if they have paid late, provided it they are paid by 8 May 2020.

If employees are not paid by 8 May, employers will not be able to claim JobKeeper for the first two fortnights. This extension date allows more time for employers to consider their circumstances and pay staff and still be eligible for those payments.