Skip to main content Sometimes it's hard to know what support services are available to help you so we've put them all here to assist you in managing your financial concerns.
Existing Services
1. Your Bank, most banks will have services and support available for those experiencing financial hardship. Contact your bank’s customer service team to determine what services may be available to you.
2. Council Rates can usually be set up as a payment plan which can reduce the burden of having to pay quarterly.
3. Help with Energy Bills can be available if you are having trouble paying your energy bills (e.g. electricity and gas) you can contact your provider to access their hardship support services or setup a payment plan. You can also check to see if you are eligible for any rebates and assistance through the Australian Government Energy Website.
4. Your Water Bill can usually be set up as a payment plan which can reduce the burden of having to pay quarterly. You can also contact your provider to access their hardship support services. Check out this article for further information and tips.
5. Some Superannuation Funds provide free financial advice consultations that can be accessed once a year
Government Services and Information
Accessing government resources and information can provide valuable insights into available financial assistance programs, eligibility criteria, and application processes.
• Money Smart is a government website that provides financial tools, tips and resources to help you take control of your money. The website also has a handy budget planner which can be found here.
• Australian Taxation Office have an individual enquiries line that you can contact if you are experiencing difficult circumstances such as financial hardship.
• Financial Information Service is a free service that provides information, tools and resources for your financial needs.
• Medicare you can find out about the available benefits under Medicare to help support you with medical costs.
• Centrelink Support some patients may be eligible for financial support through Centrelink, including student payments, healthcare cards, disability support pensions, carer allowances, and sickness allowances, depending on individual circumstances.
• Travelling for Appointments and Patient Assistance Travel Scheme (PATS), Rural and remote patients often face the challenge of traveling long distances to access specialised care, incur significant costs . Explore the Patient Assistance Travel Scheme (PATS), a government initiative designed to reduce some of the financial burdens associated with travel for medical care. PATS provides subsidies for travel and accommodation expenses incurred when accessing specialist medical services not available locally, offering much-needed financial relief for patients.
Additional Financial Services
• Lifeline Financial Services offers counselling and support services to individuals experiencing financial hardship.
• National Debt Helpline a non-profit, free service that has financial counsellors to help people manage their debts and get their finances back on track.