Finding it hard to cover everyday expenses?

With ongoing cost‑of‑living pressures, many people are finding it difficult to keep up with bills, rent and basic living costs. If you’re struggling financially, you’re not alone — and support is available.

If you need urgent help

If you or your family are in immediate financial crisis, Community Information & Support services may be able to assist with emergency relief, such as:

• Food parcels or food vouchers
• Supermarket vouchers
• Help with utility bills
• Rent or housing-related costs
• Petrol or public transport support
• Essential medicines

Availability varies by location and individual circumstances.

You can also search for nearby support services — including emergency relief, food, housing, financial help, health and wellbeing, and family violence services — using:

Ask Izzy
https://askizzy.org.au

For food-specific support, you can find local places offering free groceries and prepared meals through:

Foodbank Victoria – Find Food
https://findfood.foodbank.org.au/vic/find-food/ 

Support to help you get back on track

Centrelink

You may be able to access income support or crisis payments through Centrelink. Services Australia provides a range of payments and support options, including JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment and Crisis Payment in certain circumstances.

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au

You can check your eligibility, make a claim, or manage your payments online. 

Local support services

In addition to immediate assistance, local services can help you explore longer-term options and regain stability. This may include:

• Information and referrals to relevant services
• Advocacy and support to negotiate payment plans with utility providers, landlords or creditors
• Budgeting assistance and practical money management support
• Financial counselling

Financial counsellors are qualified professionals who provide free, independent and confidential advice. They can help you understand your options, manage debt, and advocate on your behalf.

You can access free financial counselling through:

Financial Counselling Victoria
https://www.fcvic.org.au

National Debt Helpline
Call: 1800 007 007
https://www.ndh.org.au 

Help with bills and concessions

You may be eligible for Victorian Government concessions or energy bill relief to help reduce the cost of utilities and other essential services:

https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/concessions-and-benefits 

Servo Saver

Servo Saver is a free feature in the Service Victoria app that helps you find cheaper fuel near you.

It provides live fuel prices from more than 1,200 petrol stations across Victoria, making it easy to compare prices and choose the best option before you fill up. The app can also show the next day’s expected fuel prices, helping you plan ahead and save even more.

Many drivers can save a significant amount of money over the course of a year by checking fuel prices before they buy.

How to use Servo Saver:

1. Open the Service Victoria app.
2. Tap Servo Saver.
3. View nearby petrol stations and compare fuel prices.
4. Choose the best price and plan your trip.

Servo Saver is a simple way to reduce fuel costs and make informed decisions about where and when to fill up.

 

Take the next step

A Community Information and Support service may be available in your area. These services can help you understand your options and connect with support services for your situation.

 Use the Find services near you tool on this page to see what support is available where you live.