The third round of the Resurgence Support Payment opened for applications this morning.

'The RSP helps businesses with their fixed costs, such as rent. It provides cashflow to businesses and supports them to pay their bills while the country is at Alert Level 2 or above,” says Grant Robertson.

'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 just over $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.”

The RSP includes a core per business rate of $1,500, 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 percent decline in revenue over seven days (starting on or after October 1 for this payment) as a result of being at Alert Level 2 or higher,” says David Parker.

'The scheme will be available until all of New Zealand returns to Alert Level 1 for one month.”

Inland Revenue encourages those applying to ensure the accuracy of the information they provide, as if it isn't correct that will delay processing. 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 11.59pm October 14.