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

Are you experiencing some financial difficulties and need help? Learn about the different National and NSW specific financial support options including; loans, bill assistance, advice, counselling and more.

There are numerous free financial services available for Australians throughout New South Wales. Whether you live in one of the larger regions such as Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle or Wollongong; or smaller regional areas such as Maitland, Tamworth or Orange there are great services available to you. Even smaller country towns have access to local and national financial assistance and programs that they may not of known about.

In an effort to help Aussies meet their financial obligations and still have money to live on, the New South Wales government and many non-profits have created a series of financial options such as rebates, concessions, and discounts. These programs are designed to lower some the burden of paying for some common yearly and monthly expenses.

Below is a large list of financial services available to low income earners.

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

Household Costs

Low Income Household Rebate. This rebate is designed to help residents cover the cost for some of their annual electric bill. If eligible, you could receive an annual rebate of $225.

Medial Emergency Rebate. If you require your home to be kept at a set temperature due to a medical condition, you may be eligible for an energy rebate. This rebate is for $225 per year.

Life Support Electricity Rebate. If you have a medical condition that requires you to be on a certain life support system, you may be eligible to receive help paying for some of the electric cost to run the machine. The amount of your rebate will depend on the type of life support system you require.

Private Rental Assistance. This program provides assistance to those people who rent their home. It can help to pay a portion of your current rent payment, cover rent payment that are in arrears, or help to pay the bond costs required when setting up a new apartment.

First Home Owner Grant. This grant is specifically for those people who are purchasing or building a home for the first time. If eligible, you could receive a special grant of up to $15,000 to use towards the down payment of home valued at up to $835,000.

Health Care

NSW Government Spectacle Program. This program is for low-income earners and help to cover a portion, or all of, the costs associated with purchase new eyeglasses or contacts.

Transport Fees

NSW Public Transport Concessions. This special concession reduces the cost of public transportation for eligible students, job seekers, low-income earners and seniors.

Seniors

Travel Concessions for Pensioners. This concession gives eligible seniors the ability to ride the TrainLink Regional Service and the Great Southern Rail Service for free or at a greatly reduced amount.

Senior Card. The New South Wales senior card is for those seniors who are over 60-years hold. It offers a special discount at participating retailers, dining establishments, government agencies, attractions, transport, and health care treatments and prescriptions.

Pensioner Water Concessions. This program helps to reduce your annual water. You must meet financial eligibility requirement and be provided water by Sydney Water or Hunter Water

Motor Vehicle and Licence Concession. This concession helps to significantly lower both the driver’s licence fees and the motor vehicle registration fee that the pensioner must pay each year.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Council Rate Concession. Each district within the state of New South Wales offers its own council rate concessions. You must check with your local authority to see how much a discount you may be eligible for if you qualify as a low-income earner or a pensioner.

Non-Profit Assistance

Eastern Area Tenants Services (EATS). This non-profit helps home renters with free advice regarding Tenants Rights and offers advocacy assistants. It is funded by NSW Fair Trading. Residents in Waverly, Woollahra, and Randwick may contact them for assistance with private or public housing issues.

No Interest Loan Scheme (NSW). 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.

Financial Advice

Financial Counselling Australia. Financial counsellors are trained professionals who can assist those seeking financial help. They provide free, independent and confidential advice. They have a national presence and will be able to provide you with assistance that is specific to your area.