What Is a Centrelink Financial Hardship Loan?

You never know when financial hardship is going to hit. That’s why it’s essential to inform yourself of the options you have. The option we’ll discuss today is the Centrelink financial hardship loan. Read on to know whether you’re eligible for it, the types of loans you can get, and more.

What this article covers:

centrelink financial hardship

Centrelink provides emergency loans for people who are in dire need of financial aid, which is one of the service’s best benefits. They’re called financial hardship loans, and your eligibility for applying to them depends on your current situation. Here are some of the situations that make you eligible for such a loan:

  • Being a victim of domestic abuse
  • Entering Australia as a Humanitarian Entrant
  • Staying in self-isolation because of COVID-19 (you or someone you care for)
  • Leaving your house because of a natural disaster
  • Coming out of prison recently

If you’re in any of these situations, Centrelink might give you a loan without making you wait at all. Depending on the severity of the situation, they’ll either shorten or waive the waiting period. However, this is limited to emergency cash for financial hardship.

Don’t expect the same if you want a loan for a vacation or a student start-up. In these cases, you’ll have a better chance of being approved for an advance loan or payment.

When Can You Apply for a Financial Hardship Loan?

You can apply for a financial hardship loan when the liquid assets that you have don’t cover the amount of money you need to pay for essential expenses. Liquid assets are any assets you have that can be converted to cash in no time, like currencies or money you’re owed.

Types of Hardship Payments You Can Get

Each crisis situation calls for a different payment. Here’s a list of the hardship payments that you can get:

  • Additional Child Care Subsidy Temporary Financial Hardship: A short-term loan that includes the cost of child care
  • Carer Adjustment Payment: A one-off payment for disabled or severely ill kids due to a tragic event (under the age of 7)
  • Crisis Payment: A one-off non-taxable payment for people in severe financial crisis
  • Home Equity Access Scheme: A loan to supplement elderly people’s retirement income

financial hardship loans centrelink

To apply for a financial hardship loan on Centrelink, you’ll need to provide some information about your current situation.

First of all, you’ll need to inform the lenders of your source of income and required expenses so that they make sure you’ll be able to make the loan payment. The expenses that most lenders take into consideration are schooling expenses, registering for a car or motorbike, home and car repairs, white goods, and insurance.

However, other expenses will lessen your chance of getting an instant Centrelink hardship loan. Some of them are vacation expenses, non-essential house furniture, renovating driveway expenses, or any expenses related to entertainment. In these cases, you can apply for debt consolidation loans, microloans, or bond loans.

When to Contact the Lending Service

In most situations, you’ll need to contact the Australian lending service within a week of the catastrophic event that put you in financial hardship. However, there are a few exceptions, depending on your situation. For instance, if you’re suffering hardship due to COVID-19, you can contact the service within two weeks.

If Centrelink refuses your loan application, you have the right to review the decision. You can contact them and ask for an explanation for the refusal, apply for a formal review, or visit their service centre and talk to an authorized officer.

But the chances of Centrelink declining your request if you have all the right papers and information are slim. After all, the service provides fair loans for all those in need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Get a Guaranteed Approval Loan in Australia If I’m on Centrelink?

Your chances of getting a guaranteed approval loan while on Centrelink (including guaranteed approval debt consolidation loans) aren’t that high, even for a loan as small as $500. The Australian government puts many regulations on such loans because they increase the risk of scamming and stealing.

What Makes Me Eligible for a Loan in Australia?

financial hardship loan centrelink

Here are the criteria you should have to get a loan from any lending service in Australia:

  • Being 18 or older
  • Being an Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • Having a source of income
  • Having an available form of contact (email or phone)

To Wrap Up

You never know when life is going to throw you a curveball. But luckily, Centrelink provides loans for people in sudden financial hardship. Your eligibility for the loan depends on the situation you’re in and the expenses you need. And if Centrelink refuses your loan, you can apply for a formal review and appeal their decision.

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