A Crisis Payment can be made to people who face severe financial hardship through being forced to leave their home and establish a new home due to 'extreme circumstances' such as domestic or family violence. It is also available for people leaving prison. Prisoners may claim before release through Centrelink visiting officers, or make claims at any Centrelink office.

On the day that you lodge a claim, you must be entitled to a Social Security Pension or Benefit, and you must be an Australian resident.

Crisis Payment can only be paid a maximum of four times in a 12-month period.