ASSISTANCE FOR TEMPORARY VISA HOLDERS IN TASMANIA (STATEWIDE) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Pandemic Isolation Assistance Grants
Rapid Response Skills Initiative (RRSI)
One-off payments of $250 per adult (up to $1,000 per household). Available to temporary visa holders who can demonstrate genuine financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. To apply for this grant, phone the Public Hotline on 1800 671 738 For more information, including eligibility, go to the Coronavirus Tasmania website.
If you are on a State Sponsored Skilled Migration Visa, a Humanitarian Visas or a Provisional Partner Visas you may be eligible for the RRSI. The RRSI provides up to $3,000 towards the cost of training for people who have lost their jobs. For more information, including eligibility, visit the Skills Tasmania website or call 1800 655 846
Rapid Response Skills Matching Service
Red Cross
TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT
One-off emergency relief payment of $200 for single adults, $300 for couples, or $400 for families with children. For more information on eligibility and to apply visit the Red Cross website.
All visa holders with working rights can apply for the Tasmanian Government’s Skills Matching Services. For more information, visit the Rapid Response webpage.
University of Tasmania (UTAS) Students
Fast Track Safety Net Grant Scheme (immediate grants of up to $350) Safety Net Grant Scheme (grants of up to $2,000 for emergency assistance). For more information visit – the UTAS website.
Department of Education
25% discount on tuition fees for Terms 2 and 3 For more information visit the GETI website.
SKILLED VISA HOLDERS Temporary Visa Holder Skilled Employee Assistance Program
One-off assistance payments of $2,000 available to successful applicants. All eligible applications will be competitively assessed. For further information on eligibility, please visit the Business Tasmania website. For assistance with your application call Business Tasmania on 1800 440 026 or email ask@business.tas.gov.au Employees must complete their part of the application by 16 June 2020.
HOUSING COVID-19 Rent Relief Fund
Support of up to $2,000 or four weeks’ rent. No citizenship or permanent residency requirements. For further information please visit the Department of Communities website and read the COVID-19 Rent Relief - Fact Sheet for Tenants. If you need assistance with your application please call 1800 800 588.
Housing Connect
For other housing and support needs. Call 1800 800 588 or visit the Housing Connect website.
EMERGENCY RELIEF AND ASSISTANCE NORTHERN TASMANIA Emergency relief providers help people in times of financial crisis. Assistance includes: food, transport; chemist vouchers; part-payment of utility bills; clothing; and budgeting support.
HELPLINES & GENERAL INFORMATION In all emergencies call the Police 000 line MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Emergency Relief organisations provide services directly to regional communities. It is not necessary to travel into Launceston for support.
taslifeline@lifelinetasmania.org.au
www.kidshelpline.com.au
The following organisations have been funded specifically to provide emergency relief and assistance to Temporary Visa Holders
Lifeline 131 114
Beyond Blue 1800 512 348
www.lifeline.org.au
www.beyondblue.org.au
Please contact an organisation for advice and assistance. CatholicCare Victoria Tasmania 1800 819 447 or (03) 6332 0600 www.catholiccaretas.org.au
St Vincent De Paul Society (03) 6326 5551 www.vinnies.org.au
Migrant Resource Centre North (03) 6332 2211 ww.mrcltn.org.au
Multicultural Council of Tasmania (03) 6170 9196 www.mcot.org.au
The following organisations also provide emergency relief in Northern Tasmania. Launceston City Mission (03) 6335 3000 www.citymission.org.au
The Salvation Army Tasmania (03) 6323 7500 www.salvationarmy.org.au
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
A Tasmanian Lifeline 1800 98 44 34
DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE Tasmanian Government Family Violence Response and Referral Line 1800 633 937
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 www.1800respect.org.au
Department of Home Affairs 131 881 https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/ For any visa issues
Tasmania Public Health Hotline 1800 671 738 www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au For the latest information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Tasmania
National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080 www.australia.gov.au Information on coronavirus (COVID-19) and help with the COVIDSafe app 24 hours a day, seven days a week