COVID-19: Red Cross assistance
The Red Cross has announced that it will be receiving funding from the Australian Government for the next six months to deliver emergency relief and casework support to temporary visa holders.
The funds have not yet been received and the Red Cross will work as quickly as possible with the Department of Social Services to finalise the details of the funding and expand assistance to people who are experiencing significant vulnerability.
Visa holders may be eligible for Red Cross Safety Net support if they:
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 states that they will prioritise 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. Once help has been requested (via website below) the Red Cross will speak to the person and see if they can assist with emergency payments, food deliveries, crisis accommodation costs or other support.
Eligible visa holders are requested to contact the Red Cross by email in the first instance so that they can be advised when the funds and arrangements are in place. Details available here: https://www.redcross.org.au/news-and-media/news/help-for-migrants-in-transition