Difficulty making ends meet
Many people on low incomes, including Centrelink payments, find it very difficult to make ends meet. If you or your family is in crisis, many of our centres can provide emergency relief with food, food vouchers, travel cards, petrol vouchers, assistance with bills, rent and medicines.
In addition, our centres can provide information about other supports, advocacy to arrange payment plans and other outcomes, budgeting assistance and financial and personal counselling. (What is Financial Counselling: financial counsellors are qualified professionals who provide information, advice and advocacy to people in financial difficulty). For more information on these supports search for your closest centre on the orange button below.
Other financial assistance
- National Debt Helpline – 1800 007 007. This service helps people tackle their debt problems. Professional financial counsellors offer free, independent, and confidential services. The service operates Mon to Fri from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Or visit https://ndh.org.au/about-national-debt-helpline/.
- No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) provide individuals and families on low incomes with access to loans available for essential goods and services such as fridges, washing machines, car repairs and medical procedures for up to $1,500. Repayments are set at an affordable amount over 12 to 18 months. For more information visit the NILS website or speak with one of our centres, as many of them provide this service or know who does locally.
- Good Money For safe and affordable financial supports visit – Good Money https://goodmoney.com.au/, including:
- Step-up Loans – Low interest loans of between $800 – $3,000 with no fees and affordable repayment periods
- Affordable Insurance – Simple car and contents insurance with flexible payment options.
- Concessions and benefits A range of concessions are available to all Victorians who are on low incomes or experiencing hardship and need help meeting the cost of living. For more information about these concessions and benefits visit https://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/concessions-and-benefits
- Utility Bills Check out our Energy Relief Information sheet with information on advice and support with overdue utility bills or search for your closest centre on the orange button below.