Getty On July 13, 2021, the government announced it would be increasing COVID-19 disaster payments for eligible Greater Sydney locals and offering additional support for businesses also. If you’re at a loss when it comes to the new financial support updates, allow us to offer some guidance. Here’s everything we know about these government services, who they’re for and how you can apply for them. What’s being offered? Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that emergency disaster payments available to people who have lost up to 20 hours of work would be increased from $325 to $375 per week as of week four of the Greater Sydney lockdown. Those who have lost more than 20 hours of work will see payments bumped up from $500 to $600 per week.