Can I Get 2 Urgent Payments from Centrelink?

Urgent payments can provide temporary relief if you’re facing severe financial hardship and rely on Centrelink for support. However, specific rules exist around how many urgent payments you can receive in a year.

This guide explains the process, eligibility criteria, and exceptions to help you navigate Centrelink’s urgent payment system.

How Many Urgent Payments Can You Receive?

Generally, Centrelink allows a maximum of two urgent payments within 12 months. However, there are exceptions where additional urgent payments may be approved. These include:

• Extraordinary Circumstances: Verified situations such as funeral expenses for immediate or extended family members (including Indigenous family structures).
• Centrelink Delays: When delays caused by Services Australia result in severe financial hardship.
• Public Holidays: If your regular payment is delayed due to national public holidays.

Each case is assessed individually, and you’ll need to provide evidence to support your claim.

Eligibility Criteria for Urgent Payments

To qualify for an urgent payment, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Severe Financial Hardship: You must demonstrate that your financial situation is critical and caused by exceptional circumstances.
2. Current Centrelink Recipient: You must already be receiving a Centrelink payment such as JobSeeker, Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, or Parenting Payment.
3. Evidence of Hardship: Provide documentation such as medical bills, proof of income loss, or other relevant records.

How to Apply for an Urgent Payment

1. Online Application

The easiest way to apply is through your myGov account linked to Centrelink:

• Log in to myGov and go to the Centrelink section.
• Select “Payments and Claims” > “Manage Payments” > “Apply for an Urgent Payment.”
• Provide details about your financial hardship and upload supporting documents.
• Submit your application.

2. In-Person or Phone Application

If you cannot apply online:

• Visit a local Centrelink office with all necessary documents.
• Call Centrelink’s general enquiries line at 132 850 during business hours.

3. Follow Up

After submitting your application, track its progress via myGov or the Express Plus Centrelink app. If approved, the payment is usually processed within 24 hours.

Exceptions for Additional Urgent Payments

While the standard limit is two urgent payments per year, exceptions may apply in extraordinary circumstances:

• Funeral expenses for immediate or extended family members.
• Delays caused by Services Australia that lead to financial hardship.
• Public holiday processing delays affecting regular payments.

These exceptions require thorough documentation and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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Impact on Future Payments

It’s important to understand that receiving an urgent payment will reduce the amount of your future payments until the advance is fully repaid. This process is known as the “recovery process.” For example:

• If you receive an urgent payment of $500, this amount will be deducted in installments from subsequent payments.
• The recovery plan aims to minimize further financial strain but may affect your budgeting in the short term.

Alternative Financial Assistance Options

If you’ve already received two urgent payments or don’t qualify for one, consider these alternatives:

1. Crisis Payment: For extreme situations like domestic violence or natural disasters.
2. Advance Payment: Access part of your future payments upfront.
3. Community Support Services: Charities like Salvation Army or St Vincent de Paul offer food vouchers, utility bill assistance, and more.
4. No Interest Loans (NILs): Interest-free loans for essential items like appliances or medical expenses.

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