Special Benefit
A payment if you’re in severe financial hardship and can’t get other income support from us.
Eligibility basics
- in severe financial hardship for reasons beyond your control
- unable to earn enough to support yourself and your family
- unable to get another income support payment
If you were getting an eligible payment on 2 April 2019, we’ll pay you an Energy Assistance Payment in June.
Eligibility & payment rates
You need to meet eligibility requirements to get Special Benefit, and how much you'll get.
Claiming
Complete the following steps to claim Special Benefit. Before you start, check if you can get it.
Managing your payment
Your options and obligations for Special Benefit.
Resources
Tools, information and other services we offer.
What information relates
We have other payments, services and subjects to help you with Special Benefit.
Page last updated: 1 May 2019