Red Cross will provide emergency relief for temporary visa holders who aren’t eligible for government support.
Red Cross will soon receive funding from the Australian Government for the next six months to offer increased support, including casework.
These funds are for people on temporary visas who have no way to support themselves and who have urgent needs.
Supports given include food, medicine and crisis accommodation costs.
Red Cross hopes to expand its existing Emergency Relief and Safety Net program in coming weeks.
Because of COVID-19, the charity will not distribute funds from its offices, but will provide assistance by phone and email during business hours.
It will work with the Department of Social Services to finalise details of funding and expand assistance to those experiencing significant vulnerability.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible for Red Cross Safety Net support if you:
- are in Australia on a temporary visa
- are in urgent financial hardship
- cannot access Centrelink, Medicare or similar services
- have no income, savings or other financial support (including from family overseas).
Red Cross prioritises people with urgent needs, such as families with young children, people with a disability, people who are experiencing harm, people who are vulnerable to COVID-19, and people with physical or mental health issues.
How to apply
Email Red Cross with your request for support, and they will see if they can assist with emergency payments, food deliveries, crisis accommodation costs, or other support.
If you are currently in a situation where your health or safety is threatened, please call 000.
If you are eligible for mainstream community support services, try (02) 8338 8506, or visit AskIzzy or the Department of Social Services.