Supporting Victorians through stage 4 lockdown
As Melbournians are acutely aware, stage 4 restrictions were introduced on Sunday 5 April to help reduce community transmission of COVID-19.
Many of our members will find that the coming six weeks of lock down will impact their employment and possibly their mental health. This page offers direction to Protect services and resources that may be relevant to you if you're facing employment insecurity, no matter where you are living.
If you are stood down
Hardship payment - (EXPIRED JULY 2022)
We have been granted approval by the ATO to make a hardship payment (stand down payment) from the severance account balance of some workers who have been stood down by a Protect contributing employer but remain employed.
To be eligible, workers must:
- Have a Protect severance account with sufficient funds
- Have been stood down by a Protect contributing employer without pay, but remain employed
- Not be relying on other forms of payment (annual leave or long service leave)
Please note that Hardship Payments can only be claimed via our website, not the App.
GO TO: For further details or to claim, visit the Hardship payment application page
If you are made redundant
Submit a claim
If you have a Protect severance account and become unemployed, a termination or redundancy payment would apply. You do not need to contact us to start the claim process.
Your initial severance claim should be submitted by:
- The Protect App or
- Your online Protect account
Claims made via these online options can be made at any time of day and are the quickest and simplest avenues for accessing your entitlements.
GO TO: For further information visit the claims page
How to check your balance
Download the Protect App
You can check your severance balance day or night online or by using the Protect Services App.
GO TO: View App features and download options at the Protect App page
To reset your password
If you're not sure if you have previously been issued with a password for Protect online services, or you need a new password, please use the 'forgotten password' feature on the App. If you need to register for the first time, please contact the Member Services Team via email info@protect.net.au
GO TO: Visit the online account FAQ page for further information about using the App.
Access free counselling
Phone 1300 725 881
Counselling is confidential and free for all Protect members and your immediate family. During COVID-19 restrictions phone and online support remains availabe 24/7.
GO TO: Visit the Counselling FAQ page for answers to common questions about our counselling service.
External support
Ask Izzy
When you’re looking for support, Ask Izzy can help you to find the services you need, now and nearby. It is free and anonymous, and you can search over 370,000 services across Australia to find:
- housing
- meals
- healthcare
- legal advice
- addiction treatment... and more.
If you’re on the Telstra mobile network, you can access Ask Izzy even if you don’t have credit.
We're here for you
Our Member Services staff and team of Field Officers can assist you with any queries that you have. Call us on 1300 344 249, email info@protect.net.au or use our contact form to get in touch.
Quick links and answers to frequently asked questions:
AU & NZ Counselling Phone Numbers
Protect counselling is a free confidential service for individuals seeking support, as well as employers and workers wanting advice on the best method to assist colleagues dealing with a range of concerns:
