Support Services - Plain English - inTouch - Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence

To help you find support during COVID-19, we have made a list of services and supports you may be able to apply for.

It is important to understand that the type of visa you are on will affect whether you can receive payments or support from the Government (for example Centrelink).To help you, we have included a full list of different visa types and entitlements at the bottom of this page

inTouch will continue to update this page as we learn about more services so please check back here regularly.

Support and Services from Community Organisations

Food and day-to-day essentials

Support offered	Eligibility criteria	How to access
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Food: Take away food packages and day to day essentials for people seeking asylum who live in or around Melbourne, Victoria and who are in the process of, or waiting to apply for a protection visa in Australia. Healthcare: Members may be eligible to access the ASRC Health Clinic at the Footscray centre for free, and do not need Medicare. The Health Clinic offers primary health services including: general practitioner (GP) and nursing consultations; physiotherapy; psychiatry; diabetes screening and management; pharmacy waivers to access free medication; as well as immunisations to protect you from infectious disease. Legal aid: The ASRC Human Rights Law Program can offer free legal advice and assistance to people seeking asylum who cannot afford a private lawyer and have no access to government-funded legal advice.	Visa requirements Open to people with asylum seeker status only. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must become an ASRC member to access their services.	To find out how the ASRC can support you please call 03 9326 6066. Click here for more information.
Australian Multicultural Community Services
Can provide immediate aid including food parcels and Coles vouchers. Support and referral to other programs and services that can assist to overcome financial distress – including negotiating with creditors. Can help with part of overdue utility bills and assist with part payment of rent arrears.	Visa requirements Applicant must hold one of the following visas: Australian citizen Permanent resident Partner visa SC820 Partner visa SC309 Partner visa SC 100 Prospective marriage visa SC300. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must be living in Melbourne or a surrounding municipality and experiencing financial crisis.	Call 03 8371 2320 (Mondays and Fridays, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm) or email ercm@amcservices.org.au
Casey North Community Information and Support Service
Assistance can be provided with food, prescriptions and travel for emergency needs. This is an extremely busy program and people with appointments will be given priority over those dropping in. If you are unsure of where to go for assistance, please call 03 9705 6699 and ask for information relevant to your area.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must be living in the City of Casey.	Call 03 9705 6699 to enquire. Click here for more information.
Catholic Care Victoria Tasmania (CCVT)
Emergency food relief and essential items available in several locations including Greater Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Gippsland and Bendigo. Click here to check the list.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria Applicant must be experiencing financial crisis.	Applicants must call the site at least one day before they require support to set an appointment. Click here to find the correct phone number to call for your area. Click here for more information.
CISVic
Emergency relief including food, food vouchers, travel cards, petrol vouchers, assistance with bills, rent and medicines.	Visa requirements Applicant must hold one of the following visas: Australian citizen Permanent resident Partner visa SC820 Partner visa SC309 Partner visa SC100 Prospective marriage visa SC300 Working visa SC489 Working visa SC491 Working visa SC 494. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must have a current Health Care Card.	There are many CISVic agencies in Victoria. Click here to search the one near you and contact them to see what kind of assistance they can offer.
Community Support Frankston
Emergency relief and essential supports.	Visa requirements Visa type not specified. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must be living in Frankston.	Call 03 9783 7284 or email csf@frankston.net to speak with an interviewer who will assess your current needs and discuss how we can provide Emergency Relief and essential supports to you. If you don’t have a phone, CSF can provide you with a Telstra Phone Card. Phone cards are available at CSF 35 Beach Street, FRANKSTON, VICTORIA (Corner of Lewis Street opposite Tyrepower) on Monday to Friday 9.30am – 3.30pm. Click here for more information.
Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (DRERS)
Emergency support including food, clothing and financial assistance.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must be living in the Dandenong Ranges.	Call 03 9754 7777 or 0468 468430 between Mon-Fri 9:00-12:30pm or email enquire@drers.org.au. Click here for more information.
Food Bank
The program will support people in mandatory self-isolation, who have little or no food, and no network of family and friends to support them. Each eligible household will receive a two-week supply of essential goods.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria All people can apply.	Requests for care packages can be made by calling Victoria’s dedicated coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398. Click here for more information.
Glenpark Community Centre
Emergency food relief.	Visa requirements Applicant must hold one of the following visas: Australian citizen Permanent resident Partner visa SC820 Partner visa SC309 Partner visa SC 100 Prospective marriage visa SC300. Other eligibility criteria Priority given to people living in Bayswater, Bayswater North or Boronia who are homeless or at risk of being homeless and are receiving income from Centrelink. People who do not meet these criteria may still apply if experiencing financial crisis but may be refused support.	Call (03) 9720 5097 and leave a message for a staff member to call you back. Click here for more information.
La Trobe Community Health Service
Emergency relief for people in crisis. The help we give can be in the form of: food and pharmacy vouchers, material aid, including sleeping bags and winter.	Visa requirements Visa type not specified. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must be residents of the Latrobe local government area and experiencing financial crisis.	Call 1800 242 696 to discuss your individual situation. If possible, please try to call at 8.30am as they have limited funding for this service, and often reach their budget within a couple of minutes of opening each morning. Click here for more information.
Red Cross
Free emergency relief packages for people required to self-isolate, who have little or no food, and no network of family and friends to support them.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria Applicant must be in mandatory self-isolation and experiencing financial crisis.	People living in Victoria who wish to register for the service are requested to ring the Victorian Government COVID-19 Hotline on 1800 675 398.
Sacred Heart Mission
Support provided by their Women’s House includes, breakfast and lunch, case management and housing assistance and support and access to primary health care to people who do not have a GP or struggle to access or feel at ease attending mainstream medical services.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must identify as a woman.	Call (03) 9536 8464 to enquire or go in person to 65 Robe St, St Kilda. Open every day of the week between 8:30am to 1pm. Click here for more information.
Salvation Army
Homelessness services, family violence services, doorways and emergency relief.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria All people can apply.	Please call 13 72 58 to enquire. Click here for more information.
St Peter’s Eastern Hill Anglican Church and Heaven at Hill the Social Enterprise
Pre-packaged food service to anyone in need.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria All people can apply.	Send a text to 0450039288 to find out more information.
Vincent Care
Free meals, accommodation support, case management.	Visa requirements Visa type not specified. Other eligibility criteria All people can apply.	Takeaway meals, coffee and some material aid is available from HRC on Flemington Road, North Melbourne, from 10am-1pm, Monday to Friday. For any other service please call (03) 9304 0100. Click here for more information.

Accommodation and/or rental assistance

Support offered	Eligibility criteria	How to access
Australian Multicultural Community Services
Can provide immediate aid including food parcels and Coles vouchers. Support and referral to other programs and services that can assist to overcome financial distress – including negotiating with creditors. Can help with part of overdue utility bills and assist with part payment of rent arrears.	Visa requirements Applicant must hold one of the following visas: Australian citizen Permanent resident Partner visa SC820 Partner visa SC309 Partner visa SC100 Prospective marriage visa SC300. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must be living in Melbourne or a surrounding municipality and experiencing financial crisis	Call 03 8371 2320 (Mondays and Fridays, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm) or email ercm@amcservices.org.au
CISVic
Emergency relief including food, food vouchers, travel cards, petrol vouchers, assistance with bills, rent and medicines.	Visa requirements Applicant must hold one of the following visas: Australian citizen Permanent resident Partner visa SC820 Partner visa SC309 Partner visa SC 100 Prospective marriage visa SC300 Working visa SC489 Working visa SC491 Working visa SC494. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must have a current Health Care Card.	There are many CISVic agencies in Victoria. Click here to search for the one near you and contact them to see what kind of assistance they can offer.
Justice Connect
A wide range of advice and support related to legal matters and late rental payments.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria All people can apply.	Click here to apply for assistance online. Click here for more information.
Launch Housing
Support for people who are having difficulty paying rent or experiencing housing crisis or homelessness.	Visa requirements Applicant must hold one of the following visas: Australian citizen Permanent resident Partner visa SC820 Partner visa SC309 Partner visa SC100 Prospective marriage visa SC300. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must live in one of the following Local Government Areas: Cities of Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Shire, Cities of Port Philip, Stonington, Glen Eira, Bayside, Kingston, Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula, City of Yarra, Darebin, Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea.	If you are experiencing difficulty paying your rent, please contact the Private Rental Assistance Program on 03 9556 5775.
Melbourne City Mission
Assistance with paying rent or the bond.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria All people can apply.	Call 03 9977 0000 to enquire.
Sacred Heart Mission
Support provided by their Women’s House includes, breakfast and lunch, case management and housing assistance and support and access to primary health care to people who do not have a GP or struggle to access or feel at ease attending mainstream medical services.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must identify as a woman.	Call (03) 9536 8464 to enquire or go in person to 65 Robe St, St Kilda. Open every day of the week between 8:30am to 1pm. Click here for more information.
Salvation Army
Homelessness services, family violence services, doorways and emergency relief.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria All people can apply.	Please call 13 72 58 to enquire. Click here for more information.
St Peter’s Eastern Hill Anglican Church and Heaven at Hill the Social Enterprise
Pre-Packaged food service to anyone in need.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria All people can apply.	Send a text to 0450039288 to find out more information.
Uniting
Tenancy Advocacy and Assistance Program (TAAP). Financial counselling and disability employment services.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria All people can apply.	Tenancy Advocacy and Assistance Program (TAAP) Phone: 1800 545 366 (leave a message and the Intake worker will call you back) or send an email to taapbrimbankmelton@vt.uniting.org Disability Employment Services Call 1300 090 989 or (03) 9692 9501. Financial Counselling Call 1800 685 682. Click here for more information.
Vincent Care
Free meals, accommodation support, case management.	Visa requirements Visa type not specified. Other eligibility criteria All people can apply.	Takeaway meals, coffee and some material aid is available from HRC on Flemington Road, North Melbourne, from 10am-1pm, Monday to Friday. For any other service please call (03) 9304 0100. Click here for more information.

Utilities assistance

Support offered	Eligibility criteria	How to access
Catholic Care Victoria Tasmania (CCVT)
Emergency food relief and essential items available in several locations including Greater Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Gippsland and Bendigo. Click here to check the list.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria Applicant must be experiencing financial crisis.	Applicants must call the site at least one day before they require support to set an appointment. Click here to find the correct phone number to call for your area. Click here for more information.
CISVic
Emergency relief including food, food vouchers, travel cards, petrol vouchers, assistance with bills, rent and medicines.	Visa requirements Applicant must hold one of the following visas: Australian citizen Permanent resident Partner visa SC820 Partner visa SC309 Partner visa SC100 Prospective marriage visa SC300 Working visa SC489 Working visa SC491 Working visa SC494. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must have a current Health Care Card.	There are many CISVic agencies in Victoria. Click here to search the one near you and contact them to see what kind of assistance they can offer.

Medical assistance

Support offered	Eligibility criteria	How to access
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Food: Take away food packages and day to day essentials for people seeking asylum who live in or around Melbourne, Victoria and who are in the process of, or waiting to apply for a protection visa in Australia. Healthcare: Members may be eligible to access the ASRC Health Clinic at the Footscray centre for free, and do not need Medicare. The Health Clinic offers primary health services including: general practitioner (GP) and nursing consultations; physiotherapy; psychiatry; diabetes screening and management; pharmacy waivers to access free medication; as well as immunisations to protect you from infectious disease. Legal aid: The ASRC Human Rights Law Program can offer free legal advice and assistance to people seeking asylum who cannot afford a private lawyer and have no access to government-funded legal advice.	Visa requirements Open to people with asylum seeker status only. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must become an ASRC member to access their services.	To find out how the ASRC can support you please call 03 9326 6066. Click here for more information.
La Trobe Community Health Service
Emergency relief for people in crisis. The help we give can be in the form of: food and pharmacy vouchers, material aid, including sleeping bags and winter.	Visa requirements Visa type not specified. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must be residents of the Latrobe local government area and experiencing financial crisis.	Call 1800 242 696 to discuss your individual situation. If possible, please try to call at 8.30am as they have limited funding for this service, and often reach their budget within a couple of minutes of opening each morning. Click here for more information.
Sacred Heart Mission
Support provided by their Women’s House includes, breakfast and lunch, case management and housing assistance and support and access to primary health care to people who do not have a GP or struggle to access or feel at ease attending mainstream medical services.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must identify as a woman.	Call (03) 9536 8464 to enquire or go in person to 65 Robe St, St Kilda. Open every day of the week between 8:30am to 1pm Click here for more information.

Legal assistance

Support offered	Eligibility criteria	How to access
Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Food: Take away food packages and day to day essentials for people seeking asylum who live in or around Melbourne, Victoria and who are in the process of, or waiting to apply for a protection visa in Australia. Healthcare: Members may be eligible to access the ASRC Health Clinic at the Footscray centre for free, and do not need Medicare. The Health Clinic offers primary health services including: general practitioner (GP) and nursing consultations; physiotherapy; psychiatry; diabetes screening and management; pharmacy waivers to access free medication; as well as immunisations to protect you from infectious disease. Legal aid: The ASRC Human Rights Law Program can offer free legal advice and assistance to people seeking asylum who cannot afford a private lawyer and have no access to government-funded legal advice.	Visa requirements Open to people with asylum seeker status only. Other eligibility criteria Applicants must become an ASRC member to access their services.	To find out how the ASRC can support you please call 03 9326 6066. Click here for more information.
Justice Connect
A wide range of advice and support related to legal matters and late rental payments.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria All people can apply.	Click here to apply for assistance online. Click here for more information.

Financial advice

Support offered	Eligibility criteria	How to access
Anglicare
Financial counselling including support, advice and practical information.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria All people can apply.	Call 1800 809 722 to enquire.
Justice Connect
A wide range of advice and support related to legal matters and late rental payments.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria All people can apply.	Click here to apply for assistance online. Click here for more information.
Uniting
Tenancy Advocacy and Assistance Program (TAAP). Financial counselling and disability employment services.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria All people can apply.	Tenancy Advocacy and Assistance Program (TAAP) Phone: 1800 545 366 (leave a message and the Intake worker will call you back) or email taapbrimbankmelton@vt.uniting.org Disability Employment Services Call 1300 090 989 or (03) 9692 9501. Financial Counselling Call 1800 685 682. Click here for more information.

Support from Government

To view information from Centrelink in your language please click here.

Food and day-to-day essentials

Support offered	Eligibility criteria	How to access
Emergency Relief Food and Essential Supplies Packages
Eligible households will receive a two-week supply of essential goods. Food packages will include items such as long-life milk, pasta, cereal, canned vegetables and sugar. Personal care packages will also be distributed to eligible households and include soap, toothpaste and deodorant. Additional items may also be provided depending on the needs of the household, such as nappies or baby formula.	Visa requirements All visa types accepted. Other eligibility criteria Individuals must be in mandatory self-isolation, and have little or no food, and have no network of family and friends to help them.	Call Victoria’s dedicated coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398. Click here for more information.

Support offered

Eligibility criteria

How to access

Emergency Relief Food and Essential Supplies Packages

Eligible households will receive a two-week supply of essential goods.

Food packages will include items such as long-life milk, pasta, cereal, canned vegetables and sugar.

Personal care packages will also be distributed to eligible households and include soap, toothpaste and deodorant. Additional items may also be provided depending on the needs of the household, such as nappies or baby formula.

Visa requirements
All visa types accepted.

Other eligibility criteria
Individuals must be in mandatory self-isolation, and
have little or no food, and have no network of family and friends to help them.

Call Victoria’s dedicated coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

Click here for more information.

Accommodation and/or rental assistance

Support offered	Eligibility criteria	How to access
Rent Assistance
A regular extra payment to assist with the payment of rent, fees in a retirement village, lodging, board and lodging, site or mooring fees for a caravan or relocatable home. How much Rent Assist you can access depends on how much rent you pay.	Renters who receive one of the following payments from Centrelink are eligible for Rent Assistance payments: JobSeeker Payment Youth Allowance Austudy ABSTUDY Parenting Payment Special Benefit Farm Household Allowance, or people who receive more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit	People who are eligible for, but don’t currently receive one of the payments listed in the eligibility criteria section of this table will be automatically assessed for Rent Assistance when they lodge an application for one of these payments. People who do receive one of the payments listed in the eligibility criteria section of this table can request an assessment for Rent Assistance by following the steps outlined here. Click here for more information.

Support offered

Eligibility criteria

How to access

Rent Assistance

A regular extra payment to assist with the payment of rent, fees in a retirement village, lodging, board and lodging, site or mooring fees for a caravan or relocatable home.

How much Rent Assist you can access depends on how much rent you pay.

Renters who receive one of the following payments from Centrelink are eligible for Rent Assistance payments:
JobSeeker Payment
Youth Allowance
Austudy
ABSTUDY
Parenting Payment
Special Benefit
Farm Household Allowance,
or people who receive more than the base rate of Family Tax Benefit

People who are eligible for, but don’t currently receive one of the payments listed in the eligibility criteria section of this table will be automatically assessed for Rent Assistance when they lodge an application for one of these payments.

People who do receive one of the payments listed in the eligibility criteria section of this table can request an assessment for Rent Assistance by following the steps outlined here.

Click here for more information.

Employment assistance

Support offered	Eligibility criteria	How to access
Working for Australia scheme
This support service helps people to find paid work in Australia. The types of jobs which may be available include: Cleaning and sanitation of buildings, public spaces and transport. Food services and catering. Health care and carer/community support roles. Outreach for people who are isolated or who need supplies delivered to their homes. Manufacturing roles including food manufacturing. Logistics including warehousing, security services and driving roles. Customer service and call centre roles. Waste management. Environmental management Outdoor work including regional infrastructure damaged by bushfires (e.g. walking trails). Agricultural, including fruit harvesting. All jobs will be paid at or above award rates.	Visa requirements Applicants must have working rights in Australia and so may hold one of the following visas: Australian citizen Permanent resident Partner visa SC820 Partner visa SC309 Partner visa SC100 Prospective marriage visa SC300 Student visa SC500 Working visa SC417 Working visa SC476 Working visa SC482 Working visa SC489 Working visa SC491 Working visa SC494. Other eligibility criteria Individuals are eligible for help from this service if they have recently lost their job or are a casual worker and no longer have shifts.	To apply for one of these new jobs please click here to complete the online application form. You will likely be required to submit an up-to-date CV or resume which is no longer than one page long, and some additional information may be requested during the application process. Click here for more information.

Support offered

Eligibility criteria

How to access

Working for Australia scheme

This support service helps people to find paid work in Australia.

The types of jobs which may be available include:
Cleaning and sanitation of buildings, public spaces and transport.
Food services and catering.
Health care and carer/community support roles.
Outreach for people who are isolated or who need supplies delivered to their homes.
Manufacturing roles including food manufacturing.
Logistics including warehousing, security services and driving roles.
Customer service and call centre roles. Waste management.
Environmental management Outdoor work including regional infrastructure damaged by bushfires (e.g. walking trails).
Agricultural, including fruit harvesting.

All jobs will be paid at or above award rates.

Visa requirements
Applicants must have working rights in Australia and so may hold one of the following visas:
Australian citizen

Permanent resident
Partner visa SC820
Partner visa SC309
Partner visa SC100
Prospective marriage visa SC300
Student visa SC500
Working visa SC417
Working visa SC476
Working visa SC482
Working visa SC489
Working visa SC491
Working visa SC494.

Other eligibility criteria
Individuals are eligible for help from this service if they have recently lost their job or are a casual worker and no longer have shifts.

To apply for one of these new jobs please click here to complete the online application form.

You will likely be required to submit an up-to-date CV or resume which is no longer than one page long, and some additional information may be requested during the application process.

Click here for more information.

Utilities assistance

Support offered	Eligibility criteria	How to access
Utility relief grant scheme
The grant provides help to pay a mains electricity, gas or water bill that is overdue due to a temporary financial crisis. You can receive a maximum of $650 on each utility type in a two-year period (or $1,300 for households with a single source of energy (e.g. electricity only) and you can apply for separate grants for each utility (electricity, gas and water).	Other eligibility criteria Utility account holders who have one of the following concession cards may apply for this concession; Health Care Card Pensioner Concession Card Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card If you don’t have one of these cards but are part of a low-income household, you may also be able to apply. Your retailer will ask you some questions to check if you are eligible before issuing a form. For your application to be successful you will need to show that you have no way of paying the account without assistance, and meet one of the three following criteria: you have had a recent decrease in income, you have had high unexpected costs for essential items, the cost of shelter is more than 30% of your household income.	For mains utilities, phone your electricity, gas or water retailer to request an application. Your retailer will ask you some preliminary questions before starting your application. The application can be completed online, or your retailer will post you a paper form to complete. A friend, support worker or financial counsellor can help you complete the application. For non-mains utilities, phone the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521. Click here for more information.

Support offered

Eligibility criteria

How to access

Utility relief grant scheme

The grant provides help to pay a mains electricity, gas or water bill that is overdue due to a temporary financial crisis.

You can receive a maximum of $650 on each utility type in a two-year period (or $1,300 for households with a single source of energy (e.g. electricity only) and you can apply for separate grants for each utility (electricity, gas and water).

Other eligibility criteria
Utility account holders who have one of the following concession cards may apply for this concession;
Health Care Card
Pensioner Concession Card
Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card

If you don’t have one of these cards but are part of a low-income household, you may also be able to apply.

Your retailer will ask you some questions to check if you are eligible before issuing a form.

For your application to be successful you will need to show that you have no way of paying the account without assistance, and meet one of the three following criteria:

you have had a recent decrease in income,

you have had high unexpected costs for essential items,

the cost of shelter is more than 30% of your household income.

For mains utilities, phone your electricity, gas or water retailer to request an application.

Your retailer will ask you some preliminary questions before starting your application.

The application can be completed online, or your retailer will post you a paper form to complete. A friend, support worker or financial counsellor can help you complete the application.

For non-mains utilities, phone the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521.

Click here for more information.

Medical assistance

Support offered	Eligibility criteria	How to access
Free medical care non-residents and non-citizens
If you do not have adequate travel insurance coverage, Victorian hospitals will waive the costs of treatment for COVID-19 related costs such as ambulance transfers, hospital assessment and treatments.	Visa requirements Support is available for all persons who hold a visa OTHER than Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency. Other eligibility criteria The person receiving medical treatment must not be covered by travel insurance.	To access free medical treatment please present at your closest hospital and inform the staff of your needs. Click here for more information.

Support offered

Eligibility criteria

How to access

Free medical care non-residents and non-citizens

If you do not have adequate travel insurance coverage, Victorian hospitals will waive the costs of treatment for COVID-19 related costs such as ambulance transfers, hospital assessment and treatments.

Visa requirements
Support is available for all persons who hold a visa OTHER than Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency.

Other eligibility criteria
The person receiving medical treatment must not be covered by travel insurance.

To access free medical treatment please present at your closest hospital and inform the staff of your needs.

Click here for more information.

Family assistance

Support offered	Eligibility criteria	How to access
Child Care Subsidy
The Child Care Subsidy is a regular payment paid directly to your child care provider by the Australian Government Additional benefits related to coronavirus: All people may claim 62 days of absences from child care. If you choose to keep your child home from childcare, or if the child has been isolated, or if you or your child are sick, the government will subside contracted child care payments for 62 days. If your childcare centre closes because of coronavirus you should not be charged any fees. Additional Child Care Subsidy is available to those experiencing Temporary Hardship. If you already receive the Child Care Subsidy and your activity/work hours have changed because of coronavirus: You don’t need to update your activity test for CCS if you or your child are self-isolating. For those who work casually, if your hours have reduced because of coronavirus, you don’t need to notify Centrelink right now. NOTE – You are not required to pay child care fees to your child care service between 6 April and 28 June 2020.	Visa requirements Applicants must hold one of the following visas: Australian citizen Permanent resident New Zealand citizen Partner visa SC820 Partner visa SC309 Temporary protection visa SC060 Temporary protection visa SC070 Temporary protection visa SC449 Temporary protection visa SC785 Temporary protection visa SC786 Temporary protection visa SC790 You may also be eligible if you or your partner are on a student visa or if you are experiencing financial hardship. Other eligibility criteria You or your partner must meet all of the following criteria: you care for your child at least 2 nights per fortnight (14% care), and you pay fees for child care provided by an approved service, and your child is immunised, and your child is aged 13 or under (or is between 14 to 18 years old and has a disability).	For a step by step guide to claiming Centrelink for the first time during COVID-19 please click here. Click here for more information.

Support offered

Eligibility criteria

How to access

Child Care Subsidy

The Child Care Subsidy is a regular payment paid directly to your child care provider by the Australian Government

Additional benefits related to coronavirus:

All people may claim 62 days of absences from child care. If you choose to keep your child home from childcare, or if the child has been isolated, or if you or your child are sick, the government will subside contracted child care payments for 62 days.

If your childcare centre closes because of coronavirus you should not be charged any fees.

Additional Child Care Subsidy is available to those experiencing Temporary Hardship.

If you already receive the Child Care Subsidy and your activity/work hours have changed because of coronavirus:
You don’t need to update your activity test for CCS if you or your child are self-isolating.
For those who work casually, if your hours have reduced because of coronavirus, you don’t need to notify Centrelink right now.

NOTE – You are not required to pay child care fees to your child care service between 6 April and 28 June 2020.

Visa requirements

Applicants must hold one of the following visas:

Australian citizen

Permanent resident

New Zealand citizen

Partner visa SC820

Partner visa SC309

Temporary protection visa SC060
Temporary protection visa SC070

Temporary protection visa SC449

Temporary protection visa SC785

Temporary protection visa SC786

Temporary protection visa SC790

You may also be eligible if you or your partner are on a student visa or if you are experiencing financial hardship.

Other eligibility criteria
You or your partner must meet all of the following criteria:

you care for your child at least 2 nights per fortnight (14% care), and

you pay fees for child care provided by an approved service, and

your child is immunised, and

your child is aged 13 or under (or is between 14 to 18 years old and has a disability).

For a step by step guide to claiming Centrelink for the first time during COVID-19 please click here.

Click here for more information.

Financial/income assistance

Support offered	Eligibility criteria	How to access
JobSeeker Payment
The JobSeeker Payment is a regular income support payments available to eligible individuals. How much you are paid depends on how much income you have. Because of cornavirus Centrelink have: expanded the eligibility criteria for these payments cancelled the ordinary waiting period for these payments cancelled asset testing for 6 months starting 25 March cancelled the newly arrived residents waiting period cancelled the seasonal work preclusion period	Visa requirements Applicant must hold one of the following visas: Australian citizen Permanent resident Other eligibility criteria Individuals are eligible for this payment if they are aged between 22 and Age Pension age and one of the following: unemployed and you’re looking for work, sick or injured and are unable to do your usual work or study for a short time, a permanent employee who has been stood down or lost your job, a sole trader, self employed, a casual or contract worker whose income has reduced, caring for someone who’s affected by coronavirus.	For a step by step guide to claiming Centrelink for the first time during COVID-19 please click here. Click here for more information about the JobSeeker Payment.
Youth Allowance for job seekers
The Youth Allowance for job seekers Payment is a regular income support payments available to eligible individuals. How much you are paid depends on how much income you have. Because of cornavirus Centrelink have: expanded the eligibility criteria for these payments cancelled the ordinary waiting period for these payments cancelled asset testing for 6 months starting 25 March cancelled the newly arrived residents waiting period cancelled the seasonal work preclusion period.	Visa requirements Applicant must hold one of the following visas: Australian citizen Permanent resident Other eligibility criteria Individuals are eligible for this payment if they are aged between 16 to 21 and one of the following: looking for full time work or doing approved activities, studying part time and looking for work, temporarily unable to work, a permanent employee who has been stood down or lost your job, a sole trader, self employed, a casual or contract worker whose income has reduced, caring for someone who’s affected by coronavirus.	For a step by step guide to claiming Centrelink for the first time during COVID-19 please click here. Click here for more information about the Youth Allowance for job seekers Payment.
Coronavirus Supplement
Beginning 27 April 2020 an additional $550 per fortnight will be paid into your account on top of your Centrelink income support payment if you receive one of the payments listed in the eligibility criteria section of this table. This payment will continue for up to 6 months for eligible individuals.	Other eligibility criteria You are eligible for this additional payment of you currently receive one of the following payments from Centrelink; JobSeeker Payment Partner Allowance Widow Allowance Sickness Allowance Wife Pension Youth Allowance for job seekers Youth Allowance for students and apprentices Austudy for students and apprentices ABSTUDY for students getting Living Allowance Parenting Payment partnered and single Farm Household Allowance Special Benefit.	If you are already receiving one of the payments listed in the eligibility criteria section of this table no application is required. This additional payment will be automatically added to your regular Centrelink payment as of 27 April 2020. If you are eligible for one of the payments listed in the eligibility criteria section of this table click here to submit a claim online through myGov or call 131 202. Click here for more information.
Economic Support Payment (State Government of Victoria)
Individuals living in Australia who receive an ‘eligible’ payment from Centrelink between 12 March 2020 and 13 April 2020, will receive an additional once-off payment of $750 with their usual payment. This payment will be repeated in July for individuals who receive an ‘eligible’ payment from Centrelink between 12 July 2020 and 13 August 2020. Note – if you are receiving the Coronavirus Supplement payment you will not receive this second instalment of the Economic Support Payment.	Other eligibility criteria You are eligible for this additional payment of you currently receive one of the following payments from Centrelink: Age Pension Disability Support Pension Carer Payment Carer Allowance Parenting Payment Wife Pension Widow B Pension ABSTUDY (Living Allowance) Austudy Bereavement Allowance Newstart Allowance JobSeeker Payment Youth Allowance Partner Allowance Sickness Allowance Special Benefit Widow Allowance Farm Household Allowance Family Tax Benefit A Family Tax Benefit B Double Orphan Pension or if you hold one of the following concession cards: Pensioner Concession Card Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Veteran Gold Card. or if you receive one of the following Department of Veterans’ Affairs payments: Veteran Service Pension Veteran Income Support Supplement Veteran Compensation payments, including lump sum payments War Widow(er) Pension.	No application is required. Eligible individuals will have this additional payment automatically added to their regular Centrelink payment as of 31 March 2020. Click here for more information.
Crisis Payment
The Crisis Payment is a once-off payment to the value of one week’s worth of your base income support payment.	Visa requirements Applicant must hold one of the following visas: Australian citizen Permanent resident Other eligibility criteria Individuals are eligible for this payment if they currently receive an income support payment from Centrelink, are in sever financial hardship, and one of the following: need to self-isolate or are caring fro someone self-isolating, or are experiencing family and domestic violence.	To claim this payment you must call the Centrelink ‘Help in an emergency’ phone 132 850. Click here for more information.

Support offered

Eligibility criteria

How to access

JobSeeker Payment

The JobSeeker Payment is a regular income support payments available to eligible individuals. How much you are paid depends on how much income you have.

Because of cornavirus Centrelink have:
expanded the eligibility criteria for these payments
cancelled the ordinary waiting period for these payments
cancelled asset testing for 6 months starting 25 March
cancelled the newly arrived residents waiting period
cancelled the seasonal work preclusion period

Visa requirements
Applicant must hold one of the following visas:
Australian citizen
Permanent resident

Other eligibility criteria
Individuals are eligible for this payment if they are aged between 22 and Age Pension age and one of the following:
unemployed and you’re looking for work,
sick or injured and are unable to do your usual work or study for a short time,
a permanent employee who has been stood down or lost your job,
a sole trader, self employed, a casual or contract worker whose income has reduced,
caring for someone who’s affected by coronavirus.

For a step by step guide to claiming Centrelink for the first time during COVID-19 please click here.

Click here for more information about the JobSeeker Payment.

Youth Allowance for job seekers

The Youth Allowance for job seekers Payment is a regular income support payments available to eligible individuals. How much you are paid depends on how much income you have.

Visa requirements
Applicant must hold one of the following visas:
Australian citizen
Permanent resident

Other eligibility criteria
Individuals are eligible for this payment if they are aged between 16 to 21 and one of the following:
looking for full time work or doing approved activities,
studying part time and looking for work,
temporarily unable to work,
a permanent employee who has been stood down or lost your job,
a sole trader, self employed, a casual or contract worker whose income has reduced,
caring for someone who’s affected by coronavirus.

For a step by step guide to claiming Centrelink for the first time during COVID-19 please click here.

Click here for more information about the Youth Allowance for job seekers Payment.

Coronavirus Supplement

Beginning 27 April 2020 an additional $550 per fortnight will be paid into your account on top of your Centrelink income support payment if you receive one of the payments listed in the eligibility criteria section of this table.

This payment will continue for up to 6 months for eligible individuals.

Other eligibility criteria
You are eligible for this additional payment of you currently receive one of the following payments from Centrelink;
JobSeeker Payment
Partner Allowance
Widow Allowance
Sickness Allowance
Wife Pension
Youth Allowance for job seekers
Youth Allowance for students and apprentices
Austudy for students and apprentices
ABSTUDY for students getting
Living Allowance
Parenting Payment partnered and single
Farm Household Allowance

Special Benefit.

If you are already receiving one of the payments listed in the eligibility criteria section of this table no application is required. This additional payment will be automatically added to your regular Centrelink payment as of 27 April 2020.

If you are eligible for one of the payments listed in the eligibility criteria section of this table click here to submit a claim online through myGov or call 131 202.

Click here for more information.

Economic Support Payment (State Government of Victoria)

Individuals living in Australia who receive an ‘eligible’ payment from Centrelink between 12 March 2020 and 13 April 2020, will receive an additional once-off payment of $750 with their usual payment.

This payment will be repeated in July for individuals who receive an ‘eligible’ payment from Centrelink between 12 July 2020 and 13 August 2020. Note – if you are receiving the Coronavirus Supplement payment you will not receive this second instalment of the Economic Support Payment.

Other eligibility criteria
You are eligible for this additional payment of you currently receive one of the following payments from Centrelink:

Age Pension
Disability Support Pension
Carer Payment
Carer Allowance
Parenting Payment
Wife Pension
Widow B Pension
ABSTUDY (Living Allowance)
Austudy
Bereavement Allowance
Newstart Allowance
JobSeeker Payment
Youth Allowance
Partner Allowance
Sickness Allowance
Special Benefit
Widow Allowance
Farm Household Allowance
Family Tax Benefit A
Family Tax Benefit B
Double Orphan Pension

or if you hold one of the following concession cards:
Pensioner Concession Card
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Veteran Gold Card.

or if you receive one of the following Department of Veterans’ Affairs payments:
Veteran Service Pension
Veteran Income Support Supplement
Veteran Compensation payments, including lump sum payments
War Widow(er) Pension.

No application is required. Eligible individuals will have this additional payment automatically added to their regular Centrelink payment as of 31 March 2020.

Click here for more information.

Crisis Payment

The Crisis Payment is a once-off payment to the value of one week’s worth of your base income support payment.

Visa requirements
Applicant must hold one of the following visas:
Australian citizen
Permanent resident

Other eligibility criteria
Individuals are eligible for this payment if they currently receive an income support payment from Centrelink, are in sever financial hardship, and one of the following:

need to self-isolate or are caring fro someone self-isolating, or
are experiencing family and domestic violence.

To claim this payment you must call the Centrelink ‘Help in an emergency’ phone 132 850.

Click here for more information.

Temporary Visa Types and Entitlements

Information about the different types of visas, and whether you can work, study and travel is listed below.

To find specific advice for temporary visa holders during COVID-19 from the Department of Home Affairs please click here.

This information is up-to-date as at 06/04/2020 but it does not include ‘Stay at home’ and ‘Restricted activities’ directions from the State Government of Victoria or the Federal Government of Australia.

COVID-19 Pandemic Visas

Covid-19 pandemic visa (subclass 408)

This new visa is only available to people who are currently located inside Australia and have 28 days or less remaining on their current visa; or their last substantive visa has expired up to 28 days previously. A Bridging Visa A will be granted, and clients can stay in Australia on this Bridging Visa while their 408 application is processed.

The Visa Application Charge (VAC) for this visa is $0.

With this visa you can:

remain in Australia if you have no other visa options and are unable to depart Australia due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
remain in Australia to assist in critical sectors including healthcare, disability and aged care, childcare and agriculture during the COVID-19 pandemic. Work rights will be limited to applicants in this category.

Partner Visas

Partner visas (subclass 820) (onshore)

With this visa you can:

stay in Australia until we decide your permanent Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 801) or that application is withdrawn
work in Australia
study in Australia (you will not receive government support)
travel to and from Australia as many times as you want
attend up to 510 hours of free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program
enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare.

Prospective marriage visa (subclass 300)

With this visa you can:

stay in Australia until we decide your permanent Partner (Migrant) visa (subclass 100) or the application is withdrawn
work in Australia
study in Australia (you will not receive government support)
travel to and from Australia as many times as you want
attend up to 510 hours of free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program
enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare.

Partner (migrant) visa (subclass 100)

With this visa you can:

stay in Australia indefinitely
work in Australia
study in Australia
enrol in Australia’s public healthcare scheme, Medicare
sponsor your relatives to come to Australia
travel to and from Australia for 5 years
if eligible, attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program
if eligible, apply for Australian citizenship.

Student Visas

Student visa (subclass 500)

With this visa you can:

participate in an eligible course of study in Australia
travel in and out of Australia
work up to 40 hours every 2-week period once your course starts.

Postgraduate research sector visa (subclass 574)

This visa is closed to new applicants.

Working Visas

Working holiday visa (subclass 417)

With this visa you can:

do short-term work in Australia to help pay for your holiday
study for up to 4 months
travel to and from Australia as many times as you want
do 3 months of specified work to become eligible for a second Working Holiday visa.

Skilled – recognised graduate visa (subclass 476)

With this visa you can:

Travel, work and study in Australia.

Temporary skill shortage visa (subclass 482)

Short-term stream

With this visa, you can:

work in Australia for up to 2 years for your sponsor or work in Australia for up to 4 years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies
travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
if eligible, apply for permanent residence.

Medium-term stream

With this visa, you can:

work in Australia for up to 4 years
study (you won’t receive government assistance)
travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
if eligible, apply for permanent residence.

Temporary graduate visa (subclass 485)

With this visa, you can:

live, study and work in Australia temporarily
bring your family members.

Skilled regional (provisional) visa (subclass 489)

With this visa, you can:

stay in Australia for 4 years
live, work and study in a specified region of Australia
travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid.

Skilled work regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491)

With this visa, you can:

stay in Australia for 5 years
live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia
travel to and from Australia as many times as you want, while the visa is valid.

Skilled employer sponsored regional (provisional) visa (subclass 494)

With this visa, you can:

live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years
travel to and from Australia for 5 years
if eligible, apply for permanent residence after 3 years from the time your visa is granted.

Visitor Visas

Visitor visa (subclass 600)

Tourist stream

With this visa you can:

visit family or friends
be here as a tourist, for a cruise, or for purposes other than business or medical treatment.

Sponsored family stream.

With this visa you can:

visit family or friends
cruise or have a holiday
study or train for up to 3 months.

Services and support available for women and children

Support and Services from Community Organisations

Support from Government

Temporary Visa Types and Entitlements

COVID-19 Pandemic Visas

Partner Visas

Student Visas

Working Visas

Visitor Visas