Earthquake Support Subsidy
Earthquake Support Subsidy (ESS) was a series of payments for employers to assist them to pay their employees while they dealt with the impact of the February 2011 Christchurch Earthquake.
The subsidy was also available to the self employed or business owners who draw a wage. The payments were made directly to the employer who then paid the employee. The subsidy was not subject to GST but was subject to PAYE.
If you need any information about applications or payments you can contact the Earthquake Government Helpline on 0800 779 997.
There were three parts to the subsidy:
Earthquake Support Subsidy
It was paid:
- for up to six weeks from 22 February 2011
- 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).
Employers could apply for the Subsidy between 28 February 2011 and 4 April 2011.
Earthquake Support Subsidy extension
A two week extension to the Earthquake Support Subsidy was also provided to financial support to employers who wanted to maintain the employer/employee relationship and needed to take time to consider the viability of the business. It covered a further two weeks, 5 to 18 April 2011.
Employers could apply for the Subsidy until 18 April 2011.
Earthquake Support Subsidy second round
The second round funding was to enable employers who received ESS and had viable businesses, to keep paying employees while they get their operation up and running or transitioned back to business as usual. This payment was available for up to six weeks from 19 April - 30 May 2011. It was a further 2-6 weeks of funding for businesses that are viable, and need additional support for a limited time until they are operating normally.
Applications for the Second Round were assessed by Work and Income and Recover Canterbury (a joint venture between the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce and Canterbury Development Corporation). Businesses needed to be able to demonstrate ongoing viability, and that they had been affected by either damage to your premises or equipment, a cordon being in place which meant you could not access your premises or a service which was essential to your business was not available.
Payments Rates: Gross per week
| Date | full-time employee | part-time employee |
|---|---|---|
| April 19 to May 2 2011 | $500 | $300 |
| May 3 to May 16 2011 * | $375 | $225 |
| May 17 to 31 May 2011 | $250 | $150 |
*Eligibility to receive on-going payments from May 3 was assessed by Business Recovery Coordinators.
Employers could apply for the Subsidy until 31 May 2011.
Repayments
If you have received an overpayment of Earthquake Support Subsidy or have since received insurance payments to cover loss of wages, you need to repay the subsidy.
