The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.2.6.30 Crisis payment (CrP) - description

What is CrP?

CrP provides immediate financial assistance to a person who is eligible for a social security pension or benefit, who is in severe financial hardship and who:

  • is forced to leave their home and establish a new home due to an extreme circumstance, such as domestic and family violence or house fire
  • is remaining in their home after the removal of a family member due to domestic or family violence
  • is released from prison or psychiatric confinement, as a result of being charged with committing an offence, after being imprisoned for 14 days or more
  • entered Australia for the first time on a qualifying humanitarian visa on or after 1 January 2008, or
  • because of a national health crisis, was required to be in quarantine or self-isolation, or care for another person who was required to be in quarantine or self-isolation for periods between 25 March 2020 and 30 September 2022.
    (Note: The National Health Emergency (NHE) CrP for COVID-19 closed on 1 October 2022 and is no longer available).

How CrP is paid

CrP is a one-off non-refundable payment, equal to one week of the person’s income support payment at the maximum basic rate (without supplementary payments).

Background information

From 11 November 1999, CrP became available to people recently released from prison or psychiatric confinement and people who are forced to leave their home and establish a new home due to extreme circumstances.

From 1 January 2007, CrP became available to people who remain in their home after removal of a family member due to domestic or family violence.

From 1 January 2008, CrP became available to people who enter Australia for the first time on a qualifying humanitarian visa.

From 25 March 2020, NHE CrP became temporarily available to people who, because of a national health crisis (COVID-19), are required to be in quarantine or self-isolate, or care for another person who is required to be in quarantine or self-isolate as a result of advice from, or a requirement made by the Commonwealth, a state or territory or a health professional. The NHE CrP for COVID-19 was limited to quarantine or self-isolation periods that commenced prior to 1 October 2022 and is no longer available.

Act reference: SSAct section 19D Severe financial hardship-CrP definition, Part 2.23A Crisis payment, section 7(2)-'Australian resident'

SS(Admin)Act section 29 General rule

Policy reference: SS Guide 3.7.4 CrP - qualification & payability

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