What funding can a client experiencing domestic violence access in Sydney?

Leaving Violence Program

This Commonwealth program started on 1 July 2025, after the Escaping Violence Payment trial closed to new applications on 30 June 2025. It is for people aged 18 or over who have left, or plan to leave, a violent intimate partner, have changed their living arrangements in the past 12 weeks or plan to, are in financial stress, live in Australia, including temporary visa holders, and have not been supported by the program or the earlier payment in the last 12 months. It offers capped financial support, with up to $1,500 paid in cash and the rest as goods and services, plus up to 12 weeks of support and referrals. Workers can apply for a client or refer them on 1800 253 283. The cap has been published at different amounts, so check the program website. It is not a crisis service.

Crisis Payment

Services Australia pays a Crisis Payment to people who are getting, or eligible for, an income support payment or ABSTUDY Living Allowance, are in severe financial hardship and have experienced family and domestic violence. They must have left home, or stayed after the person using violence left or was removed, and set up or plan to set up a new home. The client must contact Services Australia within 7 days of their living arrangements changing and then claim within 14 days. It equals one week of their maximum basic rate, with up to 4 Crisis Payments in 12 months across all extreme circumstances.

Housing help in NSW

Rent Choice Start Safely, run by Homes NSW, subsidises private rent for people escaping domestic or family violence who are homeless or at risk and eligible for social housing. The subsidy can last up to 36 months and is reviewed every 3 months. Apply through the Housing Response Centre on 1800 422 322.

Staying Home Leaving Violence helps women and children stay safely in their home. It works with NSW Police to remove the person using violence and provides risk assessment, safety planning, home security, financial and legal support. In 2025 the government announced its expansion to all 128 local government areas. For somewhere to stay tonight, call Link2Home on 1800 152 152.

Victims Support Scheme

The Immediate Needs Support Package gives primary victims of domestic violence who were physically or psychologically injured up to $5,000 for urgent relocation and home security, such as rent, household essentials, lock changes, cameras and removalists. Claims must be made within 2 years of the offence, and you must show an urgent need when you claim. Counselling through the scheme can be requested at any time, and other support has its own time limits. Call the Victims Access Line on 1800 633 063.

If your client is an NDIS participant

These programs sit outside the NDIS. If the violence changes a participant's support needs or living arrangements, the participant or their nominee can request a plan reassessment with recent evidence; a provider cannot make the request for them. Raise urgent or safety concerns with the NDIA on 1800 800 110.