Where to get help if you’re in crisis
Are you behind on your bills and struggling to cover your rent or afford food? Whatever your situation, there are services that can help you.
Emergency relief
If you urgently need help with living expenses there are charities and community organisations that can help you with:
- One-off food, transport or chemist vouchers
- Rent or accommodation
- Part-payment of electricity, gas or water bills
- Food parcels or clothing
- Budgeting or referrals to other programs
Here is how to find your nearest emergency relief service:
- Search for emergency relief providers in your area using the Department of Social Services Grants Service Directory. Within the directory, choose ‘Financial Crisis and Material Aid – Emergency Relief’ in the ‘Service Type’ field.
- See the directories on the Salvation Army website or call their national number on 13 72 58, or see the St Vincent de Paul website or call 13 18 12.
- Contact your local church, community centre or community organisation and find out where emergency relief is provided in your area.
Important: MoneySmart does not lend money
ASIC’s MoneySmart website does not lend money or arrange loans but is happy to answer your questions about loans and money.
Email us at feedback@moneysmart.gov.au or call ASIC’s Infoline on 1300 300 630.
Income support and other social services
The Department of Human Services provides social and health-related payments and services to people going through major change. They can also connect you with housing and other social services.
If you are already receiving Centrelink payments, the Department may be able to arrange advance or urgent payments.
See the Department of Human Services website for more details.
Emotional support and practical advice
You don’t have to go it alone. There is free and confidential help available.
| Issue | Contact details |
| Crisis support
|
Lifeline
13 11 14 (24 hours) Lifeline’s crisis support chat service |
| Depression or anxiety
|
beyondblue
1300 22 46 36 (24 hours) |
| Domestic violence and abuse
|
1800respect
1800 737 732 (24 hours). |
| Drug and alcohol addiction
|
Counselling online
1800 888 236 (24 hours) |
| Gambling
|
Gambling Help online
National Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858 (24 hours) |
| Legal advice
|
See our free legal advice webpage for contact details
|
| Health and emotional problems | Your local doctor can provide general advice and help and refer you to local services |
Your local doctor can also give you support and advice and can refer you to services.
If some of your financial problems are due to another person running up debts in your name, or pressuring you to spend money or sign up for a loan, you may be experiencing financial abuse. Visit our financial abuse webpage for a list of organisations that can help.
Help with housing
State and Territory Government Departments provide emergency temporary accommodation in low-cost hotels, motels, caravan parks and similar accommodation for people who are homeless or experiencing a housing crisis. They may also be able to help with your rental bond. Contact the housing department in your state or territory to discuss your eligibility.
| State | Organisation | Contact details |
| ACT | Housing and community services ACT | communityservices.act.gov.au/hcs
133 427 |
| Queensland | Queensland Government | qld.gov.au/housing
13 QGOV (13 74 68) (to find your nearest housing service centre) |
| New South Wales | New South Wales Family and Community Services | facs.nsw.gov.au/housing
1800 422 322 (open 24 hours) |
| Northern Territory | ShelterMe – a directory of services for homeless Territorians | shelterme.org.au |
| South Australia | Government of South Australia | sa.gov.au
1800 003 308 (freecall from a landline, 24 hours) |
| Tasmania | Housing Tasmania | dhhs.tas.gov.au/housing
1300 665 663 |
| Victoria | Department of Human Services | dhs.vic.gov.au
1800 825 955 (statewide toll free number 24 hours) |
| Western Australia | Shelter WA Homeless Advisory Service | shelterwa.org.au
1800 065 892 |
Help with debts and bills
Talk to your creditors
Start by contacting your bank, utility or phone provider and let them know you’re experiencing hardship. Talk to them about adjusting your loan or bill repayments to a more manageable level. Here are some tips on how to start talking to your credit providers.
If you’re finding it hard to pay your phone or internet bill, see the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network’s information on staying connected when things get tough.
For more information on managing your bills see problems paying your bills and council rates.
See a financial counsellor
Financial counsellors give advice on credit and debt issues and can help you negotiate with your creditors. They work in community organisations and their services are free, independent and confidential.
The National Debt Helpline website has information to help you prioritise your debts.
Here’s how you can find a financial counsellor in your local area.
Don’t rush into anything
You may be tempted by quick fix solutions to your problems such as:
- Taking on a pay day loan
- Increasing your limit on your credit card
- Signing up to a debt agreement
- Getting a rent to buy deal
Before signing up to any of these talk to a financial counsellor. They can clearly explain your options.
Consider a no or low interest loan
There may be better and cheaper options to manage your debt. See the no or low interest loans webpage to find out more.
If you need urgent help with money, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are services and support available that can help you get through difficult times.
We are all in this together, the team at ADR Wealth are here to help you through your financial concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice and support.
Source : ASIC’s MONEYSMART January 2020
