Urgent Financial Assistance
Urgent Financial Assistance
State and Commonwealth Government organisations have a range of special income assistance benefits available which may assist you with urgent short-term help, depending on your specific circumstances. For information you can call Centrelink.
Centrelink programs (Call 136 150)
- Advance Payment– provides an advanced payment if you are currently in receipt of an eligible Centrelink payment. There may be a waiting period. If you already have an advance you are paying back, you may not be eligible. Before applying for an Advance Payment, it is important to check how much your benefit would reduce each fortnight, to see if you can manage it.
- Special advance payments – in extreme circumstances you can get an early Centrelink payment rather than having to meet the waiting period.
- Special benefits – if you are in extreme financial hardship and don’t qualify for other Centrelink benefits, you may be eligible for a special benefit.
- Crisis Payment – a one off payment for hardship in limited extreme circumstances.
- Home Equity Access Scheme for Pensioners – a government loan scheme which uses the equity in your home, for pensioners who need more income to live on but their assets are tied up.
State Government Programs
- Utility Relief Grant – up to $650 over a two year period for each Gas, Electricity and Water bill if you meet the criteria. If you have a single power source in your home (electricity and no gas), you are eligible for up to $1300 over a two year period. To apply, contact your utility provider.
- RentAssist Bond Loan – for bond assistance to get into a private rental property (this is income tested).
- Bond Loans (HEF) – for private rental are provided through community organisations for people at risk of homelessness. These funds are provided through the Housing Establishment Fund (HEF).
- Tenancy Assistance Program (TAAP) – helps people experiencing financial difficulties or family violence that is impacting their private rental agreement. TAAP workers can also assist clients in attending VCAT hearings and access funding to assist in some circumstances.
Other support
The National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007
The National Debt Helpline provides telephone and online chat options to speak to a financial counsellor about debt problems. It is a free and confidential service.
No Interest Loans are community run by Good Shepherd and provide small loans with no interest to people on low incomes. It is a much more affordable option than taking out a payday loan or using other forms of credit.
Family Violence Financial Assistance:
Family Violence Flexible Support Package – can provide financial assistance to leave, ensure your safety and re-establish, if you have been impacted by family violence. The packages are managed by family violence and community organisations. If you are experiencing family violence and would like to find out more about assistance available to you, contact the Victorian crisis response line at Safe Steps 1800 015 188 or your local Orange Door.
Escaping Violence Payment – provide financial assistance for people over 18 years of age who have recently experienced family violence. You can apply directly on the website or through a caseworker. For further information, see Escaping Violence payment.
Better Place Australia free financial counselling
Better Place Australia free financial counselling and mediation services are available to people who have money troubles and live in one of the many government funded areas across Victoria. First step is to enquire online or request an appointment.
For more real stories about people with financial troubles and how Better Place Australia financial counsellors mediated for them, go to the Financial First Aid home page and scroll down to Real Stories.
