Support during COVID-19

Free fresh and dried food boxes to temporary visa holders and other migrants experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19

MRC Tas is providing free fresh and dried food boxes to people who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 (available to temporary visa holders and other migrants).

Boxes are packed with healthy, nutritious, and where possible, culturally appropriate food, intended for cooking in a home kitchen.

Delivery of boxes around Hobart and surrounding suburbs is being supported by the Glenorchy District Football Club and its community partners. The packing of boxes is supported by MRC Tas volunteers.

For more information and to register for this service, please call MRC Tasmania on 03 6221 0999 or email reception@mrctas.org.au

The MRC Tas Food Box Program was initiated with support from the Jetty Foundation and the Rotary Club of North Hobart. 

 

 

 

The Cultural Community Connections program supports the health and wellbeing of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities during COVID-19 and beyond.

This new program provides:

• In-language resources
• Individual support for issues resulting from COVID-19 impacts
• Individual support to link people with a CALD background with education, employment, training, and other services

For more information please email phoenixreferrals@mrctas.org.au, or for more information and to refer a client please call:

Southern Tasmania: Esta Birdahic on (03) 6221 0999
Northern Tasmania: Kelli Charles on (03) 6724 2820

Click here to download the referral form

Supported by the Crown through the Department of Health

Support and practical assistance for temporary visa holders who are experiencing hardship as a result of COVID-19.

The impacts of COVID-19 have been felt throughout Tasmania, however, we understand that as a temporary visa holder, it can be particularly challenging. If you are having trouble with rent, food, paying your bills or even staying in touch with your family and friends, then we can help.

We can provide you with practical assistance, supporting you to access and apply for emergency relief payments and material support. We can also provide advice and refer to you other useful services.

For further information and support, please contact us on 03 6221 0999 or email reception@mrctas.org.au

This program is supported by the Tasmanian Government. 

The Tasmanian State government is establishing the ‘COVID-19 Rent Relief Fund’ to ensure targeted support of up to $2000 or four weeks rent, and is available for tenants suffering from extreme hardship. Available from next week through Housing Connect.

Housing connect: 1800 800 588, 24 hours a day, seven days a week

COVID19-rent-reflief-payment-tenant-fact-sheet.pdf

Tenants Union: (03) 6223 2641 or 1300 652 641

Emergency relief from the Tasmanian government is not income support, however these temporary visa holders in financial hardship due to the pandemic can access an individual pandemic isolation assistance grant of $250, up to $1000 for a family. You don’t have to be in quarantine. Apply by calling the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline: 1800 671 738.

Rent relief up to $2000 from the Tasmanian Government for those in financial hardship due to COVID-19 can apply by contacting Housing Connect: 1800  800 588. This starts 25 May 2020, and includes temporary visa holders.

If you have no income, savings and no access to other support you may be eligible for a once-off emergency relief payment from the Australian government. Apply online through the Red Cross.

Centrelink Special Benefit is a payment for financial hardship. Check eligibility and the residency rules here.

Some temporary visa holders can access up to $20 000 of their superannuation savings. Check eligibility here.

National Debt Helpline has free financial counselling. Phone 1800 007 007.

Beyond Blue has a dedicated Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service. Trained mental health professionals are available for support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, via phone, web chat and email.

International students experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 can apply to the Fast Track Safety Net Grant Scheme from UTAS for a once-off grant of $350.

The Safety Net Grant Scheme is a once-off grant from UTAS of $2000.  These are emergency supports, not income support.

If you have held a student visa for 12 months or more you can access up to $10,000 of your Australian superannuation tax-free.

A range of in-language COVID-19 resources can be found by visiting: https://mrctas.org.au/covid-19-resources/