The Answer
One week of your existing payment
Paid within 7 days. Available if you're already on a Centrelink payment and experience an extreme event: family violence, house fire, natural disaster, or release from prison.
Who Qualifies
You must already be receiving or have claimed a qualifying Centrelink payment, AND be experiencing one of these situations:
- Escaping family or domestic violence
- Released from prison or psychiatric confinement (after 14+ days)
- Affected by a declared disaster (bushfire, flood, cyclone)
- Experiencing a humanitarian crisis
How Much
One week's worth of your existing base rate payment. For example, if you're on JobSeeker (~$795/fn), Crisis Payment is approximately $397.50.
How to Claim
You must claim within 7 days of the crisis event. Call Services Australia on 132 850 or visit a service centre. Have your CRN and details of the crisis ready. The payment is usually processed within 1–2 business days.
Other Emergency Help
- Special Benefit: For people who can't get any other payment due to residency or other barriers
- Advance payment: Borrow against future Centrelink payments (interest-free)
- State emergency funds: Most states have additional emergency relief funding through community organisations
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly is it paid?
Usually within 1–2 business days of claiming. You must claim within 7 days of the crisis event.
Can I get it more than once?
Yes, but not for the same event. You can receive Crisis Payment for different qualifying events.
What Changed
Apr 2026
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