Getting Financial Help in an Emergency

Fortunately, in Australia we have multiple financial assistance programs through Centrelink and other government departments. There are grants and benefits that can assist with most financial crises.

Often times when people find themselves in stressful situations, knowing where to get the right help can be difficult. Because of this, many people often get themselves into a worst situation as they make bad decisions under duress. This is especially true when it comes to finances.

Below are genuine financial assistance programs and services to help those in need of money for essential living needs.

Advance Payments
If you are already receiving government benefits like income support or Job Seeker Allowance or any other monthly payment benefits, your first option may be to receive an advance lump sum payment on these benefits. You need to be receiving these benefit payments for at least 3 months before you can apply for an advance in the case of Age, Carer, Disability support pension, Newstart allowance, Parenting payment, Widow allowance, Widow B pension, Wife pension or Youth allowance for job seekers. If you are receiving ABSTUDY, Austudy, Youth allowance for students, Family Tax Benefit Part A or a mobility allowance there is no minimum for an advance payment. Find out your full eligibility here this is a great alternative to a loan.

 
Crisis Payment
This payment designation is only offered to those experiencing difficult or extreme circumstances. Those that may fall under this description include a victim of domestic violence or another such circumstance, a natural disaster that is not specifically covered by the Disaster Recovery Payment, arrival in Australia under a refugee or humanitarian visa, or you have recently been released from prison or psychiatric confinement. This payment is the equivalent to 1 week payment of your current federal support payment and is only available a maximum of 4 times a year. It is only available to newly arrived refugee or humanitarian visa claimants once in twelve months. It is not limited for those released from prison, but you must be eligible for a primary benefit payment in order to receive it. For more detail on this service and how to apply, visit here.

Special Benefit
The Special Benefit is similar in function to the Crisis Payment but is meant for those that are not eligible for any other income support payment, necessary for eligibility for the payments above. You must prove that you are experiencing a severe financial hardship due to circumstances beyond your control and unable to earn enough income to support yourself and your dependants. You can also submit a claim on behalf of a child if the child is an Australian citizen or permanent resident in your custody, you cannot receive benefit payments because you are not a citizen of Australia or permanent resident and cannot support yourself or the child. The maximum benefit payable under this payment is $5,000 over the long term.

 
Carer Adjustment Benefit
This payment is available as a one-off payment after a catastrophic event for children under 7 years old that are diagnosed with a severe medical condition, illness, or disability. To be eligible you must provide full time care for the child for a minimum of 2 months, you must receive the Carer Allowance and have a strong financial need. The maximum payment for this crisis payment is $10,000 for each child per catastrophic event. Find out more here.