If you are currently overseas and unable to return to Australia due to restrictions on COVID-19 and are currently experiencing financial hardship, you might be entitled for financial assistance from the Australian Government. 

The support comes in both loan and grant form. It seeks to help the cost of living and/or a return flight to Australia.

The loans are only available as last resort. The applicant must comply with the strict eligibility criteria. Financial assistance would be given only to those in genuine need. They need to show that they have the plan to return to Australia as soon as flights become available. All loans have to be repaid. 

For the amounts, please see below table. 

• • • Living Cost 

- If you are an Australian pension holder, you might be entitled to obtain a grant instead of a loan which means it doesn't need to be repaid. 

• • • Return Flight to Australia

 - The loan amount is equal to the regular one-way economy airfare class of the area you're in. 

- The Australian Government will pay for the difference between the economy class portion and the remaining ticket cost.

- If you are an Australian pension holder, you might be entitled to obtain a grant instead of a loan. This means that it doesn't need to be repaid.

- Minors (child under 18 years or age) may also available for a grant which does not have to be repaid. 

Who are eligible for the Financial Assistance?

1. An Australian Citizen
   • If you are a permanent Australian resident, you may be eligible to receive funding if an immediate family member who is an Australian Citizen applies on your behalf. 
   • If the only Australian Citizen in the family is a child, additional links to Australia will have to be identified before a loan can be approved (e.g Australian Residential Property)
2. At least 18 years of age
3. Have made all reasonable effort to seek financial assistance through other means and able to give proof of it. (See example documentation under 'The Application Process')

Note: Before you apply, you must confirm you can not get financial support from anywhere else, e.g. through:

• • Insurance Company
  • bank or credit card company]
  • travel agent or tour operator
  • family and friends
  • employer
  • local social security services
  • overseas pension

The Application Process

1. Complete the Web Process.

Attachments needed:

• • a digital photo or scan of the photo page of the applicant's passport or any family members that have been applied on behalf.
  • Evidence that demonstrates that the applicant is vulnerable and in financial distress, e.g:
    • evidence of income/savings (e.g a copy of recent bank statement/s)
    • a letter from you or your family member/s' most recent employer confirming employment termination
    • evidence of previously purchased tickets or bookings or communication with airlines showing your or your family member overseas has tried to return to Australia
    • evidence of accommodation costs
    • evidence that insurance won’t be covering costs
    • evidence of any Australian pension you receive
    • information about any medical condition you or your family members may have
    • any other information that would support your application

Note: there’s a 10MB limit for all attachments per application, with a 5MB limit per document. If your documents exceed this limit, please email the documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. after submitting your application and quote your passport number in the email subject line.

Provide as much documentation as needed to support your application.

If you have problems filling out the online form, you can download, print and fill out a document version of the form. You’ll then need to take photos or scan this, together with your attachments, and send to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• • COVID-19: Overseas financial assistance application form.
  • COVID-19: Overseas financial assistance application form – Applying on behalf a family member 

For more information on filling in either of these forms, check our frequently asked questions page

2. Once you submit your completed application, you will receive an email reply within 72 hours. If your application is approved and you are receiving a loan, you will be sent two forms - a Deed that constitutes a legal undertaking to repay the loan and - if approved the living costs funding - a form to confirm your Australian Bank details. 

3. Once they received the forms back, they will able to process your payment within 72 hours. Note that payment may still take several days depending on your personal banking arrangements. If you’ve applied for assistance with the cost of airfare, they will pay for the airline tickets directly with the airline.  

4. If the application has been declined, you will receive an email notification.

 Repayment 

 You will receive a letter setting out the payment guidelines and the process for seeking the payment in instalments.

Note: You may not able to renew your passport until you have started repaying the loan. The government may cancel your passport if you don't make any effort in repaying your loan. 

For more details, regarding the financial assistance click here. 

Source: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/