Many AFL club and league employees stood down or laid off last week will be eligible for the federal government's income support money of $1500 per fortnight.

In what shapes as a massive boost for the 18 clubs and competition, the AFL has received advice that their club and league employees - which would include people working in football departments, but not players - would qualify for the "JobKeeper'' assistance package that shores up individuals and companies.

Government sources confirmed on Monday that the AFL and club employees would qualify for the assistance, which would cover a significant number of those working at clubs, where close to 80 per cent of staff have been stood down, many without pay and some have been or will be retrenched.

The ramifications for clubs and their staff, in particular, are enormous, since it will enable clubs to keep far more staff during the game's financial crisis and has the potential to greatly reduce the financial disaster for clubs and the AFL.