Eligible businesses to get $1500 plus $400 per employee up to 50 FTE
Staff Reporter
Auckland, October 8, 2021
The New Zealand government opened applications for its third round of the Resurgence Support Payment (RSP) today (October 8, 2021).
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Grant Robertson said that the Resurgence Support Payment helps businesses pay some of their fixed costs, such as rent and provides cashflow to support them to pay their bills during Alert Levels 2 and above.
Financial support in figures
“The payment was originally created as a one-off payment but last month, the government decided to make it a three-weekly payment in recognition of the pressure on many businesses. So far, the RSP has paid out more than $947 million to businesses. Coupled with the Wage Subsidy Scheme, the government has supported businesses and workers to the tune of $3.9 billion since the Delta outbreak began,” he said.
Revenue Minister David Parker said that the RSP includes a core per business rate of $1500, plus $400 per employee, up to a total of 50 full-time equivalents (FTEs) which is a maximum payment of $21,500. Businesses with more than 50 FTEs can still apply but cannot get more than the maximum payment.
“The payment and eligibility criteria to qualify for the RSP remain the same as the previous two payments, including that those applying must experience at least a 30% decline in revenue over seven days (starting on or after 1 October for this payment) as a result of being at Alert Level 2 or higher. The scheme will be available until all of New Zealand returns to Alert Level 1 for one month,” he said.
Mr Parker said that the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) encourages applicants to ensure the accuracy of the information they provide since incorrect information will lead to delays in processing applications.
“Businesses can apply for the payment by logging into their MyIR account. Further information can be found on the Inland Revenue website. The fourth round of the Wage Subsidy remains open for applications until 11.59 pm October 14, 2021,” he said.
