People who have experienced family violence may be able to access a crisis payment. This is a one-off, lump sum payment that is made to existing or eligible recipients of Centrelink payments. It is made in addition to any other existing Centrelink payment the person may be receiving. A person must apply for a crisis payment within seven days of either them leaving the home due to family violence, or their partner being removed from the home due to family violence. The payment is equal to one week's payment of the person's usual pension, allowance or benefit.

See Social Security Act 1991 (Cth) ss 1061JH and 1061JHA.

Centrelink will often require supporting documentation to approve a crisis payment. Such documentation could include information, contact details or reports from a social worker, health professional, the Police, or a family member or close friend. A person is able to access a crisis payment up to a maximum of four times per year.

Centrelink can also make an advance payment in certain circumstances, if a person has already been receiving a payment for more than three months. When an advance payment is made, it is paid back eventually through the regular fortnightly payment [see Social Security Act 1991 (Cth) Chapter 2, Part 2.22].

Centrelink can provide social work services and referrals to other agencies. For more information, see the Services Australia website, How Can We Help You With Family and Domestic Violence Concerns?.

More information on family violence including support services can be found in the Law Handbook chapter on Family Violence.