Financial Help Queensland – Help paying bills, rent, loans & more

Are you dealing with money difficulties and need help? Learn about the different National and QLD financial support programs including; loans, bill assistance, advice, counselling and more.

There are numerous free financial facilities for Australians throughout QLD. Whether you live in one of the larger regions such as Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or Townsville; or smaller regional areas such as Cairns, Toowoomba or Bundaberg there are services available to you. Even small country towns have access to local and national financial assistance and programs. Many Queenslanders just don’t know what is available and where to go.

The Queensland government and multiple non-profits have created many different rebates, concessions, and discounts that are designed to help eligible residence within the state cover some of their household expenses. This can help make things more affordable and help you handle your bills with less pressure.

Below is a look at the top financial assistance programs for low-income earners in Queensland.

If you are in need of immediate financial assistance, visit our loans options section.

Household Costs

Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme. This program provides eligible residents with a rebate to help cover some of their energy costs throughout the year. If you qualify, you could receive a rebate of up to $720 per year.

Electricity Life Support. If you are on a specialised life support system, the government may help you pay for some of the costs involved in operating that system on a regular basis. The amount of support you will receive to help with your electric bill will vary based on the type of machine you are using. For example, if you have a kidney dialysis machine, you could receive up to $ 36.48 per month, however, if you are on an oxygen concentrator you could receive up to $54.48.

Medical Cooling and Heating Electricity Concession Scheme. If you have a medical condition that requires you to keep your home at a set temperature throughout the year, the government will help cover a portion of your heating and cooling expenses. You could receive up to $320.97 per year.

Water Subsidy. If you are a pensioner or a Gold Card veteran, you could receive a special subsidy to help cover the cost of your annual water bill. This is a subsidy of up to $120 per year.

First Home Buyer Grant. If you are purchasing a home for the first time, you may be eligible for this special grant. You may receive a grant of up to $15,000 to use towards the down payment to purchase or build a new home.

Bond Loans. If you rent your home, but need help covering the bond required to set up a new apartment, you may qualify for a bond loan. This is a non-interest bond and will need to be repaid in small increments over time.

Rental Grant. This grant can help low-income earners and seniors who are rent pay for up to two-weeks of their current rent, or two-week are rent arrears.

Health Care

Spectacle Supply Scheme (SSS). If eligible, you can receive help purchasing a new pair of eyeglasses or contacts one time every two years.

Transport Fees

Transport Fares Concession. This concession is for qualified children, students, low-income earners, pensioners, seniors, and veterans. It provides a 50 per cent discount of the cost of public transportation.

Registration Concession. This concession is just for pensioners, seniors, and veterans and reduced the amount you need to pay for your motor vehicle registration.

Seniors

Senior Card. To qualify for the Queensland Senior Card, you must be over the age of 60-years old and work less than 35 hours per week. If eligible, you can receive a special discount at participating retail stores, transport services, dining establishments, governmental agencies, accommodations, health care services, prescriptions, and more.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Council Rate Concession. Pensioners who qualify can receive up to a 20 per cent discount off their council rate up to a maximum of $200.

Non-Profits

FNQ Youth Assistance Fund. Assists disadvantaged youth in Far North Queensland in education, sports and cultural activities who would otherwise miss out due to difficult financial situations.

A Fairer Queensland – Assists people in finding affordable housing. They also advocate for and advise disabled and homeless individuals. They also provide mental health information and help children. Their goal is to leave no one behind.

Adventist Development and Relief Agency. Assists people who are living in poverty or those who need disaster assistance. They offer emergency food assistance and referrals for other services as well. They are popularly referred to as ADRA.

No Interest Loan Scheme (QLD). No interest loans available to help local residents get a loan for home essentials such as appliances or medical equipment that is repayable within 12 to 18 months. This loan scheme is available to low income earners who find them themselves in need of short term financial assistance but prefer to not receive charity.
Depending on your location there may also be other non-profits that will assist you such as; The Salvos, Vinnies, Anglicare and others.

Financial Advice

Financial Counselling Australia. If you are having financial issues and need professional advice, talking to a professional financial counsellor would be highly recommended. The Financial Counsellors of Australia are free and will be able to provide you with information on services within your immediate area.