Severe financial hardship

For the purposes of Crisis Payment, you’re in severe financial hardship if you meet certain criteria.

If your liquid assets total either:

  • less than 2 weeks of the maximum rate of your income support payment or ABSTUDY Living Allowance, if you’re single
  • less than 4 weeks of the maximum rate of your income support payment or ABSTUDY Living Allowance, if you’re partnered.

Where applicable, the maximum rate of your income support payment or ABSTUDY Living Allowance includes the:

  • Energy Supplement
  • Pension Supplement
  • Pharmaceutical Allowance
  • Rent Assistance.

Liquid assets include:

  • cash you have on hand
  • money you have in the bank
  • shares
  • bonds
  • gifts
  • other money you can access.
Page last updated: 26 July 2023.
QC 52742