Financial Help South Australia – Help paying bills, rent, loans & more

Are you finances under pressure? Are you constantly worried about? Find out what financial assistance options you may qualify for in South Australia, including; loans, bill assistance, advice, counselling and more.

There are a number of free financial services for Australians throughout SA. Whether you live in one of the bigger cities such as Adelaide, Mount Gambier or Gawler; or smaller metro areas such as Port Lincoln or Goolwa there are services available to you. Even the smallest remote country towns have access to local and national financial assistance and programs.

There are a number of non-profit and government based financial services for South Australians, which come in the form of special discounts, rebates, and concessions. These programs and services can either reduce the amount of money you need to pay out-of-pocket, or provide you with cash rebates to help cover some of your costs. It is important that you understand what programs you are eligible for, so you can receive the financial support you are qualified for.

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

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

Household Costs

Energy Bill Concessions. This special concession provides a rebate of up to $215 per year to help cover the cost of your annual electric and gas bills.

Medical Heating and Cooling Concessions. If you have a medical illness that requires you to keep your home set at a certain temperature throughout the year, you may be eligible to receive a rebate of up to $215 to help offset these extra utility costs.

Water and Sewerage Concession. If you are a low-income earner or a senior on a fixed income, you may be eligible to receive an annual payment to help cover the costs for water and/or sewerage. You can receive a payment of up to $110 for water costs or up to $230 for both water and sewerage costs.

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

Rent Assistance. This program is set up through Housing South Australia and can help to cover some of your rental expenses. You can receive help with your current rent, rent arrears, or a bond to use towards setting up a new apartment.

Health Care

Spectacles Scheme. If you qualify, you can receive help paying for a new pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses one time every two years.

Health Care Concessions. If you are eligible for this concession, it will help cover some of the cost for prescription medication, by setting a maximum payment per prescription at $25.

Transport Fees

Public Transport Concessions. This concession is for pensioners and veterans and reduces the cost of public transport.

Concession for Registration and Licence. This program will reduce the cost for motor vehicle registration and driver’s licence fees by 50 per cent for qualified residents. It will also exempt you from stamp duty on your vehicle insurance.

Seniors

Senior Card. The South Australia Senior Card is for people who are over the age of 60-years old and working less than 20 hours per week. It offers a 50 per cent discount on public transport fees, and a special reduction on certain goods and services throughout South Australia.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Funeral Assistance Program. If someone you loved has passed away and did not leave enough money behind to cover his/her funeral expenses, the government may help. If the person’s estate was for less than $3,000, this program will cover the expense for a basic funeral and standard burial.

Council Rate Concessions. You can receive a discount of up to $190 per year off the amount of council rate fees you must pay.

Emergency Services Levy. If eligible, you may receive a discount of up to $46 on the amount of emergency services levy you need to pay.

Non-Profits

Seniors Information Services, Inc. Assists Seniors with finding long-term housing, security, and affordable rent that is equal to 25% of their income. To be eligible for assistance one must meet government criteria for Community Housing including residency, income, assets, and needs test. Applicants must also meet the specific criteria of the Cooperative or Association to which they wish to apply for residency.

Financial Wellbeing. The Wyatt Trust assists financially vulnerable individuals and families with their household budgets. Their goal is to help South Australians manage their financial obligations and household budgets, especially after a crisis has sent their finances into a tailspin.

No Interest Loan Scheme (SA). If you are in need of a small loan between $200 and $1500 for a household expense, this is an excellent option. There is no interest attached to these loans and they can be repaid over a period of 12 to 18 months.

In addition to the above, other popular National non-profits include; Vinnies, The Red Cross and the Salvos.

Financial Advice

Financial Counselling Australia. Often times when a person is under financial stress, they make bad decisions under duress. This can further complicate or worsen their situation. If you are dealing with money issues and need some professional assistance, the Financial Counsellors of Australia are a great choice. They are professionals who are unbiased, independent, and confidential and their services are free!