Crisis Payment: Apply for Fuel Hardship

The Centrelink Crisis Payment is a one-off emergency payment equal to one week of your regular income support payment. It's designed for people who've experienced an extreme circumstance that's left them in severe financial hardship.

Current amounts (based on base rate):

• JobSeeker (single, no children): $383.50
• JobSeeker (single, with children): $414.74
• Age Pension (single): $534.30
• DSP (single): $534.30
• Parenting Payment Single: $510.50
• Youth Allowance (away from home): $322.50

This is paid in addition to your regular payment. It's not a loan — you don't pay it back.

You need to meet three conditions:

1. You're already on a qualifying payment — JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Age Pension, DSP, Parenting Payment, Austudy, or similar
2. You've experienced an extreme circumstance — the fuel crisis alone may not qualify, but if it's caused knock-on financial hardship (you can't afford rent, food, or essential travel), it can
3. You apply within 7 days of the crisis event

What counts as an "extreme circumstance":

• You're unable to meet immediate living costs due to fuel prices
• You've had to miss medical appointments because you can't afford to drive
• You're at risk of homelessness because you can't afford rent after paying for fuel
• You've been unable to attend work or job interviews due to fuel costs

The key phrase is "severe financial hardship." If the fuel crisis is the straw that broke the camel's back, that counts.

Three ways, ranked fastest to slowest:

1. Call 132 850 (fastest)

• Call first thing in the morning — hold times are shortest before 9:30am
• Say "crisis payment" when the automated system asks what you need
• Have your CRN (Customer Reference Number) ready

2. Visit a Centrelink service centre

• Walk in and tell reception you need a Crisis Payment
• Bring your ID and any evidence of hardship (overdue bills, bank statements)

3. Through myGov (slowest)

• Log into myGov → Centrelink → Payments and Claims → Make a Claim → Crisis Payment
• Takes 1-2 business days to process

Once approved, payment typically hits your account within 1 business day.

The words you use matter. Centrelink staff follow a script and look for specific indicators.

Good: "I'm experiencing severe financial hardship due to the fuel crisis. I can't afford to drive to my medical appointments and I've fallen behind on rent because so much of my income is going to petrol."

Not as effective: "Petrol is really expensive and I need more money."

Be specific about the consequences:

• "I've missed two medical appointments because I can't afford the fuel to get there"
• "I'm $200 behind on rent because I had to choose between fuel and housing"
• "I can't attend my job provider appointments because my nearest centre is 40km away"
• "I've been eating less because the money I usually spend on food is going into my fuel tank"

Bring evidence if you have it: bank statements, overdue bills, text messages cancelling appointments.

Don't give up. Crisis Payment rejections are commonly overturned on review.

1. Ask why — get the specific reason in writing
2. Request an Authorised Review Officer (ARO) — a more senior officer who looks at your case fresh
3. Contact your local MP — their electorate office can make representations to Services Australia
4. Call a free legal helpline — community legal centres handle Centrelink disputes

The ARO review typically takes 2-3 weeks. If you're in immediate crisis while waiting, ask about an urgent advance payment instead.

If the Crisis Payment doesn't come through, or you need help today:

• Emergency Relief: St Vincent de Paul (13 18 12), Salvation Army (13 72 58), and Anglicare all provide emergency financial assistance including fuel vouchers.
• Foodbank: Free food parcels so you can redirect your food budget to fuel.
• 211 helpline: Connects you to local services. Dial 211.
• Financial counselling: Free and confidential. National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007.

Use our benefits check to make sure you're receiving every payment you're entitled to. Many people miss Rent Assistance, Energy Supplement, or Pharmaceutical Allowance.