What the approved reasons are

To get Special Benefit while you’re overseas, you must travel for an approved reason.

You may get Special Benefit for up to 6 weeks if you’re travelling outside Australia for one of these approved reasons:

  • to attend an acute family crisis - for example, to visit a family member who’s critically ill
  • for specific humanitarian reasons - for example, to adopt a child or attend custody proceedings
  • to get eligible medical treatment that isn’t available in Australia.
Page last updated: 25 July 2022.
QC 61884