The Extreme Hardship Support Program is emergency financial relief to help people pay for food, medicine, or bills during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Government has commissioned the Red Cross to provide financial assistance, information, and referrals to those doing it tough during the pandemic who are not eligible for Commonwealth support or the International Student Emergency Relief Fund.

This program provides support to people living in Victoria who are experiencing significant hardship due the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It is targeted to support the most vulnerable in our community – including temporary and provisional visa holders and undocumented migrants with little or no income, savings, or community support.

People living in Victoria with limited income or savings who are on temporary or provisional visas and undocumented migrants are now able to apply for a payment of up to $800 per person – helping them out with living expenses while things are tough. Those who have already received a payment under the program will be eligible for a $400 top up on their original payment.

For more information of how to apply for the fund, please visit Red Cross website.

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