Australia’s Crisis Payment is a one-off, non-taxable financial support mechanism designed to assist individuals facing severe financial hardship due to extreme and unexpected circumstances. Administered by Services Australia through Centrelink, this payment helps cover essential expenses like food, rent, or utilities during crises such as domestic violence, natural disasters, or other qualifying events. In June 2025, the Crisis Payment remains a critical resource for Australians needing immediate relief. This article provides a detailed guide on who is eligible for the Crisis Payment, the specific circumstances that qualify, and the step-by-step process to claim it. By understanding the requirements and application process, you can access this vital support efficiently and effectively.
Eligibility for the Crisis Payment in June 2025
The Crisis Payment targets individuals in severe financial hardship due to specific extreme circumstances. To qualify, applicants must meet both general eligibility criteria and conditions related to their particular situation. Services Australia outlines clear requirements to ensure the payment reaches those in genuine need.
You must be in severe financial hardship, meaning you have minimal liquid assets—cash or easily convertible assets—below the threshold of your fortnightly income support payment. For example, a single person receiving the Age Pension (approximately $1,149 per fortnight in July 2025) must have liquid assets below this amount. For couples, the threshold is doubled. You must also be receiving or eligible for a Centrelink income support payment, such as JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Disability Support Pension, or ABSTUDY Living Allowance. Additionally, you must be in Australia when the crisis occurs and when you claim, and you must contact Centrelink within seven days of the event.
The Crisis Payment is available for several specific circumstances in June 2025. If you’ve experienced family or domestic violence, you may qualify if you remain in your home after the perpetrator leaves or is removed, or if you leave for safety and plan to establish a new home. You must be in Australia during the incident and be contactable by a social worker for assessment. Another qualifying event is being forced to leave your home due to extreme circumstances like fire, flood, or community violence, provided it’s unreasonable to return and you intend to set up a new home. This does not include evictions for unpaid rent or voluntary moves.
Humanitarian entrants arriving in Australia for the first time on eligible visas, such as Refugee or Humanitarian Stay Visas, can receive a one-off Crisis Payment to assist with settlement, provided they are in severe financial hardship. Similarly, individuals released from prison or psychiatric confinement after serving at least 14 days may qualify if they are eligible for income support and in financial distress. For natural disasters, such as floods or bushfires, you may be eligible if forced to leave your home due to a declared disaster, but not if you’ve already received another disaster relief payment for the same event.
You can claim the Crisis Payment up to four times in a 12-month period, provided each claim relates to a distinct qualifying event. The payment amount is typically equivalent to one week’s maximum basic rate of your income support payment, excluding supplements. For example, a single Age Pension recipient might receive around $574.50. Humanitarian entrants may receive up to $1,000, depending on their circumstances. Veterans receiving Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) pensions apply through DVA, but cannot claim both Centrelink and DVA Crisis Payments for the same event.
How to Claim the Crisis Payment in June 2025
Claiming the Crisis Payment requires prompt action and proper documentation to meet Centrelink’s strict deadlines and evidence requirements. The process is straightforward but demands attention to detail to ensure approval. Here’s how to navigate the application process in June 2025.
First, confirm your eligibility by reviewing the criteria for your specific situation, such as domestic violence, natural disaster, or release from confinement. Visit the Services Australia website or call the Centrelink emergency payment line at 132 850 for clarification. Gather relevant documents, such as police reports for domestic violence, visa documents for humanitarian entrants, or release papers for confinement-related claims.
You must contact Centrelink within seven days of the extreme circumstance. This can be done by logging into your myGov account linked to Centrelink, calling 132 850, or visiting a Centrelink service centre. Veterans should contact DVA at 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372). After initial contact, you have 14 days to submit your full claim. To do this, log into myGov, navigate to “Payments and Claims,” select “Claims,” and choose “Crisis Payments.” Follow the prompts to provide details about your situation and upload supporting documents.
Strong evidence is critical. Acceptable documents include official reports from police, fire services, or government agencies, but not photos of damage or news articles. For domestic violence claims, a social worker may contact you to discuss your situation and living arrangements, so ensure you’re available. For financial hardship, provide bank statements or other proof of minimal liquid assets. If your evidence is incomplete or unverifiable, your claim may be rejected.
Once submitted, most claims are processed within 7–14 days. Monitor your myGov account for updates, and ensure your nominated bank account is in your name or a joint account including your name. If you face challenges, such as language barriers or disabilities, contact Centrelink for assistance with verbal applications or connect with a social worker. Community organizations like the Australian Red Cross or National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) can also provide guidance.
Beware of scams claiming to offer Crisis Payments or other Centrelink bonuses, such as a rumored $4,000 payment in June 2025. No such universal payment exists. Verify all information through Services Australia or myGov, and avoid sharing personal details with unofficial sources.
Additional Support and Considerations
Timing is critical when applying for the Crisis Payment. Missing the seven-day contact window or 14-day claim submission deadline can lead to rejection. Ensure all documents are ready before starting, as incomplete applications may delay processing. If your claim is denied, you can request an internal review through Services Australia, but you must provide additional evidence to strengthen your case.
Beyond the Crisis Payment, other support options may help. Centrelink offers advance payments, which are early portions of your regular income support payment, repaid over time. For natural disasters, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) provides $1,000 per adult and $400 per child under 16 in declared disaster areas—check Services Australia for active declarations in June 2025. Community organizations like Good Shepherd, Ask Izzy, or the Australian Red Cross offer emergency relief, including food, housing, and financial counseling. For domestic violence, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support.
The Crisis Payment is a vital resource for Australians facing unexpected hardship in June 2025. By understanding eligibility, acting quickly, and providing robust evidence, you can secure this financial relief to stabilize your situation. Rely on official sources like Services Australia and myGov for accurate information, and seek assistance from Centrelink or community organizations if needed. This support, combined with other available resources, can help you navigate challenging times with greater confidence.