Frustrated politician takes to TikTok to reveal the 'hidden' financial support available to renters during lockdown – here's what you need to know

A frustrated politician has taken to TikTok to reveal a little-known piece of financial information that could be critically important for renters. 

Labor's Rose Jackson posted the clip containing an infographic put out by the NSW state government about Covid financial support. 

'Don't be put off by the graphic because hidden in here is very important information - particularly if you are a renter in Greater Sydney,' Ms Jackson said. 

Rose Jackson is a Labor politician serving in the NSW parliament and highlighted the little known support measure for renters

'If you have lost income because of the lockdown. If you're a casual worker or the shop you work at is closed something like that, you need to inform your landlord immediately if you cannot pay rent,' she explains.

'Because cannot evict you for 60 days (if you can't pay rent) and financial support is available to your them to cover the rent that you can't pay.' 

The clip has been viewed by more than 500,000 people, with many asking if the money needed to be back paid after the two month period.

'Yes. But at least if gives you some breathing space to sort something out,' Ms Jackson replied.

'This is also why you should talk to your landlord about a rent reduction or payment plan - they are required to mediate options,' she added. 

Sydney is in the midst of an extended lockdown which has seen many businesses struggle with people ordered to remain at home (pictured: the Sydney CBD in August) 

The eviction ban was introduced in July as a response to Sydney's extended lockdown to control the Delta outbreak of Covid that began in mid-June. 

Those in the rental industry praised the measures - with the Property Council saying landlords were 'once again stepping up to play their part'.

Acting NSW Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia Lauren Conceicao called the stimulus response from the NSW government 'sensible and proportionate.

Along with the 60-day pause of rent for struggling tenants a raft of other support measures were announced. 

Ms Jackson (pictured with husband) is a member of the upper house of the NSW government 

Covid disaster payments of between $375 and $750 a week for those that have lost work - depending on how many hours they aren't working compared to 2019. 

Landlords who offer rent reductions to tenants can get tax breaks in the form of rebates on land tax. 

Businesses that turnover between $75,000 and $250million per year can also get assistance if the lockdown has reduced their business by 30 per cent. 

The payments are between $1,500 and $100,000 a week depending on the payroll, while sole traders can get $1,000 a week. 

Sydney is in the midst of a lockdown which will likely not be lifted until vaccination targets are hit.

There were 1035 new local infections in NSW on Saturday.

But Health Minister Brad Hazzard says a record 61,778 people also received a vaccine at state hubs and another 94,387 from GPs and chemists in the 24 hours to 8pm Friday night.

Sydneysiders struggling amid lockdown can claim payments from the government (pictured: Sydney's west in August) 

How to claim the payments or rent freeze if you lose work 

Those wanting to claim the 60-day rent pause should talk to their landlords. 

Additional details are at NSW Fair Trading. 

Australians who lose more than 20 hours of work a week can claim a $750 disaster payment from the federal government, and those who lose less than 20 hours can claim $450. 

To claim the cash you'll need a Centrelink online account linked to your myGov. It's easy to set these up.

Once you're logged in, you will be asked a few questions about your situation to see if you're eligible.

Officials need to know if you lived or worked in a Covid-19 hotspot that's under lockdown or restricted movement.

Once you've completed your claim, hit submit and officials will process it for you.

You don't need to call them, they'll send you an SMS when you successfully submit your claim.

If you are eligible, officials will make a payment into your bank account and send you a letter with the details.

For more information click here