Help for Ukraine nationals in Australia
Support for people impacted by the armed conflict in Ukraine.
Find my family
Restoring Family Links: Armed Conflict in Ukraine
We're here to support people who have lost contact with loved ones during the armed conflict in Ukraine.
- English
- українська (Ukrainian)
- русский (Russian)
Looking after yourself
We’re strongly aware of the impact distressing events have on families and communities. This information might help you during and after a distressing event.
- English
- українська (Ukrainian)
- русский (Russian)
Apply for support through the Humanitarian Settlement Program
Up to date information about support and settlement services for people impacted by the armed conflict in Ukraine is available here https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/ukraine-visa-support/australian-government-offer-for-temporary-humanitarian-stay-in-australia
If you received support from Australian Red Cross through the Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP), please contact your HSP case manager or your local Red Cross office.
Frequently asked questions
Visa information
No, Red Cross does not provide legal advice. However, we can refer you to an organisation that will be able to advise you, although there is a waiting time for appointments. You may prefer to seek advice from a private migration agent at your own expense.
For up-to-date information on visa types please go to Home Affairs' Ukraine visa support.
No, Red Cross cannot cover the cost of the BUPA examination, as this is a cost associated with your visa process.
Income support and Centrelink
Yes, Red Cross can help you with a Centrelink application process if you are unable to do it yourself. You must have a 449 or 786 visa to be eligible for Centrelink.
Yes, if you have a 449 or 786 visa. Visa 600 holders are not eligible for Centrelink. If you have another visa, please check with Centrelink.
Ukraine nationals in Australia who have been granted visa subclass 449 can contact Centrelink to see if they are eligible for Special Benefit and Family Tax Benefit (if applicable) through:
- Calling the Multilingual Phone Service on 131 202 or booking an appointment for an assisted claim at your closest Service Centre.
- In person at your closest Service Centre, and either beginning your claim there if the office has capacity, or booking an appointment to come back and be assisted to start a claim.
- If supported by family/friends in Australia, you may like to create a MyGov account to claim online.
In order to claim, please take to the Centrelink Service Centre:
- a statement from your Australian bank on a bank letterhead from the date the account was opened to the date of claim. The statement must include:
- Name of Bank
- Full name on account
- Branch number (BSB) and
- Account number
- details of your finances in Australia (if any) and overseas
- your passport, and
- your visa grant notice.
Centrelink’s social security payments can be used to cover your costs of living.
Financial assistance available through the HSP is limited to assisting with the purchase of essentials during the early days of settlement and until you receive your Centrelink payments.
This is not intended to supplement payments from Centrelink.
If you are experiencing financial stress, your Case Manager may be able to direct you to other support options.
Employment
For existing Red Cross clients, yes, Red Cross has an Employment Officer and a team of employment support volunteers who can support you to find work.
Housing and accommodation
For existing Red Cross clients, Red Cross has a housing team that will be able to advise and assist you with the leasing process, but the process of finding accommodation takes time.
If at any time when you are on the program you have urgent accommodation needs, please speak with your Case Manager.
Education
Yes, Ukrainian children are eligible to attend public schools and Intensive English Centers without fees, regardless of visa. There may be some costs such as school uniforms and stationery you will need to provide. Please discuss any needs with your Case Manager.
Yes, you can.
No, they do not. Your Case Manager will advise you of the options for your children’s enrolment.
Yes. Anyone 18 years old and over (depending on visa) can attend the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) which is delivered by TAFE.
600 visa holders can access online classes. Only 449 and 786 visa holders can attend face-to-face classes.
Your Case Manager can refer you to the AMEP program or you can enrol yourself.
Find out more about the Adult Migrant English Program »
Health
Eligibility depends on the visa you hold.
- Visa 600 – no Medicare eligibility
- Visa 449 – no Medicare eligibility
- Visa 786 – eligible for Medicare and will receive a Medicare card
- Other visa holders please check with Medicare.
Whether or not you have a Medicare card, you should go to a public hospital emergency department in an emergency. If possible, please take to the hospital:
- your passport as photo identification
- your medical records
- any medications you are taking (if any).
For life threatening emergencies call 000 (Triple Zero) and request an interpreter if you would like one. When calling 000 (Triple Zero) you will be asked if you would like to call for police, ambulance or firefighting services.
In a medical emergency, an ambulance can come to you and support your admission to hospital if needed.
Fees apply for the ambulance; however, Red Cross may be able to advocate on your behalf for some of the fees to be waived. The cost of an ambulance should not deter you from calling one if it is needed.
You can attend primary health care (General Practitioner or GP) and private dentists, but you will need to cover all associated costs of the consultation, including investigations, and medications unless you have Medicare or health insurance.
If you have non-urgent medical needs and cannot cover the cost, please discuss it with your case manager who can request approval from the Department of Home Affairs. These requests are considered by the Department on a case-by-case basis and approval is not guaranteed.
Free, 24-hour, professional health advice is available at Health Direct on 1800 022 222. You can request an interpreter and a Medicare card is not required.
