Emergency money from Centrelink
Money and bills · 5 min read
There are one-off payments for people in exactly this situation — leaving violence, released from prison, or in severe hardship. They are not well advertised. You usually have to ask by name.
Ask for it by name
Use the words "I want to claim a Crisis Payment" or "I need an urgent payment — I am in severe financial hardship". Staff deal with hundreds of enquiries a day; naming the payment gets you to the right person faster.
If you are leaving family violence, say so. It changes which payments you qualify for and how quickly they are processed.
There are usually time limits
Crisis-type payments generally have to be claimed within a short window of the event — often seven days. If you are outside it, claim anyway and explain why; it can be backdated in some circumstances.
You can also ask for an advance
If you already get a Centrelink payment, you can usually ask for part of it early as an advance. It is not extra money — it is repaid out of later payments — but it can cover a bond or a bus fare this week.
If you have no ID
Say that up front. There is a process for confirming who you are without documents, and a worker at a homelessness or family violence service can vouch for you.
A social worker can be requested
Services Australia has social workers, and you can ask to speak to one. They can arrange emergency help, refer you to local services, and sit with you through the claim.
Charities also give emergency relief
Separate to Centrelink, many local charities can give food vouchers, help with a power bill, or fuel to get somewhere safe — often on the day. A financial counsellor can tell you who has funds left this month.
Emergency payment checklist
Take this to the phone call or the service centre.
- Say the words "Crisis Payment" or "urgent payment"
- Say if I am leaving family violence
- Ask to speak to a social worker
- Ask whether an advance is possible
- Have my customer reference number if I have one
- Have a bank account number, or say I do not have one
- Ask what the decision date is and write it down
- Ask for the reference number for this claim
Who to call
- TIS National (interpreter) — 131 450 — Free interpreter — ask them to call any service for you
Related
When you cannot pay the bills · Where to get food this week · Talking to a homelessness service — what to expect
All guides · Read this in the app
This is general information, not legal, financial or medical advice — the rules differ between states and territories.
Not an emergency service
If you’re in immediate danger, call 000. For family and domestic violence support any time, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).