Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) for Temporary Visa Holders

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

Cash assistance (also known as emergency relief) is a small one-off payment to help you with your basic needs like food, shelter and medicine.

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

You may be eligible if:

• You hold a temporary visa.
• Are over 18 years of age.
• You are living in Australia.
• You meet our financial hardship threshold and are experiencing vulnerability (e.g., unable to meet basic needs such as food, housing, or medical care).

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