Financial Assistance in Australia – 3 Genuine Choices

If you need financial assistance in Australia there are three different categories you should look at. There are government assistance programs, non-profits that offer assistance and community services that can help you out.

Utilising a combination of all 3 can help reduce costs and improve your monthly cash flow. Get help with utility bills, childcare, medical, rent and other expenses through subsidies and benefits.

Even get financial aid in terms of cash through Centrelink and access specialised cash advances and small no or low interest loans.

Popular Government Programs
Centrelink
Centrelink is part of the Australian Government’s Department of Human Services and provides online assistance to almost every demographic for financial assistance, but especially for low income earners. There are many programs as listed below.

 
Families
There are financial assistance payments for parents that have had children or those that have adopted children. These payments help in the first few months of having or gaining a child. Yet there are other payments for raising children like a Parenting Payment, the Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Benefit, Child Care Rebate and Medicare just to name a few. If you are a low income earner or are struggling with your monthly payments with a family see if you qualify for government help.

Carers
If you are a carer for an adult child that is physically or mentally handicapped or for a senior parent there are also carer payments to help you while you care for them. From monthly Payments, to a Carer Allowance or a Carer Supplement, there are a number of options.

Jobseekers
If you have lost your job, or are in the midst of your first job search as an adult there is help in the form of the Job Seeker’s allowances. These help you look for work, job train and even for child care when you are looking for a job.

Others
There are number of federal aid programs that help different situations like a Mobility allowance, Sickness allowance and Disability Support Pension, to student and job training programs and even support programs for Indigenous Australians and those that live in rural areas.

The government by far has the most number of support and financial assistance programs for those in need, simply apply online at Centrelink. Use a benefits calculator to quickly see what you may qualify for.

You can also contact Centrelink via phone or utilise Centrelink online services.

Non-Profits
The government is not the only support network you could lean on. The non-profit sector provides a ton of different programs for almost any situation as well. These programs are usually more specialised and short term in nature, but are a great source of assistance for immediate help.

From Churches to parent support groups to support organisations for Defence Force members there is an organisation that is probably targeted towards your needs. ProBono Australia produces a Guide to Giving that helps you find what you are looking for, either by region or by need. The Australian government also provides a listing of registered charities on their website. Ensure that you approach a charity or non-profit that is registered to help you out. Speaking to a free financial counsellor is a quick way to learn about local and national assistance.

 
Community
Beyond the federal government and non-profit organisations there is also the aid provided by many community support organisations near you, especially if you live in an urban area. These community support programs may be state or municipally run and provide services such as providing affordable housing, linking you with food banks in the area and many other support programs that can help you back on your feet.

Many of these programs have links to government initiatives and non-profits, your local council is a great place to learn about these organisations and their programs/services.

Approaching all three categories can often help you get the financial assistance you need. Remember, these services are unbiased and obligation free. A quick phone call can provide you with info you need in regards to your personal situation. If one organisation is unable to assist you directly, they most likely will be able to point you in the right direction – they are all here to help.

Please share any other forms of financial help in our comments section