Safety Net

Support for people impacted by migration who have no access to financial support, to help meet their basic needs.

Changes to our support

From 9 November 2026, Australian Red Cross will no longer provide cash assistance through the Migration Support Safety Net program. This was a difficult decision and follows careful consideration of how we can continue to provide sustainable support into the future. While cash assistance is no longer available through Safety Net, we remain committed to supporting people impacted by migration through funded programs, voucher support where appropriate, and by connecting people with other services and support options.

About Safety Net

Australian Red Cross provides limited cash and voucher assistance and casework to some people on temporary visas who are experiencing financial hardship and vulnerability.

The type of support available depends on where you live in Australia:

• If you live in South, East or North Victoria, you may be eligible for cash assistance and casework through our Support for Asylum Seekers Initiative (SASI).
• If you live anywhere else in Australia, we are only able to offer an Uber voucher, not cash. Further information about the Uber vouchers can be found towards the end of the page.

We have limited funding and receive a high number of applications from across Australia. For this reason, we must prioritise support for people with the least access to income, services and support networks.

Eligibility guidelines

You MAY be eligible if:

• You hold a temporary visa, are in financial hardship and are experiencing vulnerability or crisis.
• You are over 18 years of age.
• You are living in Australia.

Please note that due to funding limitations, New Zealand citizens are not eligible as they have broader access to services and work rights in Australia.

What we consider in our assessment

To make fair and consistent decisions, we consider the whole of your circumstances, including:

• Your visa conditions, including your work rights and access to government supports
• Your capacity to access alternative means of support, including employment, financial resources, community supports and services
• Your ability to independently access information, employment and other services (for example, your English language proficiency)
• Whether you have family, community, or other support networks available to you
• Your access to savings, assets or other financial resources
• The overall impact of your circumstances on your health and wellbeing

Why is eligibility, and the type of support, so restricted?

Australian Red Cross has funded cash assistance internally for many years. This internal funding is no longer available. We now rely on a small government-funded program (SASI) that operates only in certain areas in Victoria.

Outside these areas, we can no longer provide cash and can only offer an Uber voucher. We know this is a significant reduction in support, and we continue to advocate for additional funding so we can help more people.

How do I apply?

Make sure you have read the Eligibility Guidelines, gathered the information and documentation outlined below, and watched the How to Apply video before applying.

Identity documents

Red Cross uses a Document Verification Service (DVS) to verify identity. You will need to provide information from one of the following:

• Passport, Immicard, Drivers licence or Medicare card

Visa details

• Passport number or other travel document number.
• If you are applying for a protection visa and eligible for SASI, you must provide evidence such as an application acknowledgement letter from Immigration or a letter from a legal service/support agency.
• If you are unsure or do not have a current visa, select ‘uncertain’ and upload your last valid visa grant letter. Red Cross does not share personal or visa information with the government.

Financial details

You MUST upload transaction listings/histories from ALL bank accounts in your and your partner’s (if you have one) name that cover at least the last 30 days before applying. If this information is not uploaded your application will be declined as we will be unable to assess your financial situation. Please note that employment does not preclude people from assistance.

If your transaction listing does NOT show spending, please add a message in your application detailing how you have been paying for food and shelter.

• Transaction listings should include your name, BSB and account name.
• Please download your transaction listings as a PDF from your bank’s app or website – do not upload screenshots or other file formats (e.g. CSV).
• Do not upload credit card statements.

If you need help downloading a transaction listing, see our step-by-step guide.

You must confirm that all information provided to Red Cross is true and correct. Applications containing false or misleading information, including concealing relevant circumstances, will be declined.

If you have applied for emergency relief with Red Cross before, please use the same username and password to log in.

Video: How to apply

I need help now

• If your health or safety is in danger now, call 000.
• 13 11 14 - Lifeline Crisis Support
• 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT) – Family & Domestic Violence
• 1800 55 1800 - Kids Helpline
• The Leaving Violence Program supports people leaving a partner who uses violence with financial and other supports.
• DSS Service Directory – search for DSS Emergency Relief providers in your area
• AskIzzy – search for support by suburb
• If you can access your savings, or support from home, please do so.
• If you think you or someone you know is being exploited at work in Australia, help is available. Visit our Work Right Hub »

Information for service providers

Service providers can help a person to apply via the online portal.

If you are supporting someone to apply, do not use your work email address; applications must be made using the applicant’s personal email. If the client does not currently have an email address, please support them to open a new one.