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The Victorian government has commissioned the Red Cross to provide support payments to those in Victoria who are not eligible for federal support.
As part of a $50-million program announced by Premier Daniel Andrews on Thursday (1 October) to “make sure people are not falling through the cracks”, the Victorian government is providing more funds to support those experiencing significant financial hardship who do not have access to Commonwealth income support (including JobSeeker and JobKeeper) or the Victorian government’s International Student Emergency Fund.
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Under the extended Extreme Hardship Support Program, provided by the Red Cross and funded by the Victorian government, increased payments and support will be made to “the most vulnerable temporary and provisional visa holders and undocumented migrants”.
People living in Victoria with limited income or savings who are on temporary or provisional visas and undocumented migrants will now be able to apply for a payment of up to $800 per person to “help them out with living expenses while things are tough”.
Those who have already received a payment under the program will be eligible for a $400 top-up on their original payment.
Families may be eligible for more, depending on how many people are in the family and their individual circumstances.
Applicants may also be eligible for an additional payment after eight weeks if they are continuing to experience financial hardship. Depending on individual need, up to three small emergency relief payments can be made per person or family over the next six months.
The support can only be offered to people residing in Victoria with urgent needs who:
- are not Australian citizens or permanent residents; and
- are not eligible for Commonwealth government income support; and
- are not eligible for state or territory funds for temporary visa holders (except those delivered by Red Cross); and
- have no income or very limited income, have no or very limited savings and no access to other support from a partner, family or the community.
Mr Andrews said the Brotherhood of St Laurence will also be working with community organisations to identify people who may be eligible and support them to apply.
Announcing the expanded program, Mr Andrews commented: “This virus doesn’t discriminate, but its effects are felt more harshly by the most vulnerable among us – those without savings or work who are experiencing extreme hardship.
“Whether it’s making sure getting tested doesn’t mean missing payday or support for those doing it really tough, we are acting to look after all Victorians during this crisis.”
Likewise, the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Luke Donnellan, said: “This vital program is providing payments for people in extreme financial hardship who don’t qualify for Commonwealth assistance, while also connecting them to other support programs.
“This is about ensuring our most vulnerable community members, who may be new to Victoria, have the support they need to stay safe and help us slow the spread of coronavirus.”
To date, the Extreme Hardship Support Program has supported 8,341 individuals, with payments totalling over $3.3 million.
[Related: Victorian government launches swathe of grant packages]
