This release contains preliminary data from the 2020-21 Survey of Income and Housing (SIH). The SIH collects information on household income, wealth, housing costs and financial stress from Australian households over the financial year. This issue presents data collected from the December collection quarter.
This cycle was collected online or via telephone interviewing only. There was no face-to-face interviewing conducted due to COVID-19 restrictions. Because of this changed methodology, a smaller quarterly sample size, and the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the Australian population, care should be exercised when making comparisons with 2019-20. The Methodology page provides guidance on considering estimate reliability.
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Events timeline, December 2020 quarter

Description
Events timeline, December 2020 quarter
The December quarter commenced on 18 September 2020. On September 25 the Coronavirus Supplement for eligible recipients reduced from $550 to $250 per fortnight.
JobKeeper extension 1 started on September 28, with two tiers based on hours worked for eligible employees and business participants. Tier 1 of $1,200 per fortnight for those working 20 plus hours per week, and tier 2 of $750 per fortnight for those working less than 20 hours per week.
Trainees and apprentices wage subsidy scheme will be extended beyond 5 October.
Eligible employers can access the JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme for each eligible additional employee hired between 7 October 2020 and 6 October 2021.
Further Economic Support payment of $250 payable to eligible Government benefits recipients and concession card holders from December 1.
The Survey of Income and Housing December quarter enumeration ended on December 26.
Applications for early access superannuation scheme for up to $10,000 for the 20-21 financial year ended 31 December 2020.
Final SIH estimates for the full financial year are published in Household income and wealth, and Housing occupancy and costs. Preliminary quarterly estimates in this release will provide a more immediate insight into the financial impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Australian households.
Data for December 2019 is adjusted in real terms, using changes in the Consumer Price Index.
To see more measurements and impacts of COVID-19 on the economy and society please visit our COVID-19 page.