Crisis payment
Crisis payment is a one-off payment paid through Services Australia.
You can apply for a crisis payment if you are receiving an income support payment and experience an extreme circumstance.
Disaster payments and support
A disaster payment is available for people affected by natural disasters such as bushfire and floods.
Visit the Service Australia website to find more information about natural disasters(Opens in a new tab/window).
Additional emergency support information
In addition to the above, there are a range of additional support services available to Australians who may find themselves in an emergency situation.
Emergency relief
Emergency relief offers support to people in financial crisis who are located in Australia. Support may include:
- food parcels or clothing
- vouchers for food, transport or medication
- part-payment of utilities
- budgeting assistance.
Learn more about emergency relief.
Food relief
Food relief aims to increase emergency relief providers access to a cost-effective supply of food items across Australia.
Organisations are funded to ensure food items are available for emergency relief providers to deliver to individuals and families in need across Australia.
Learn more about food relief.
Financial counselling
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you can find a financial counsellor near you.
Learn more about financial counselling.
Help is available through the National Debt Helpline on free call 1800 007 007 (Monday to Friday 9:30 am-4:30 pm). You can also visit the National Debt Helpline(Opens in a new tab/window), where you can chat online with a financial counsellor between 9 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday.
Support for carers
If you become sick or injured and can’t continue to care for your loved one, Carer Gateway service providers can help to organise emergency respite services to take over care while you recover, if a suitable service is available in your local area.
Call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737 at any time. You will speak to your local Carer Gateway service provider who will talk through the options and book emergency respite care, where available.
Visit the Carer Gateway(Opens in a new tab/window) website.
Domestic and family violence support
If you or someone you know are in danger, call the police on Triple Zero (000). Police in Australia are safe and can be trusted.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, or chat online or video call via the 1800RESPECT(Opens in a new tab/window) website.