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

Are you dealing with money problems? Has an expected financial situation popped up? See what National and Tasmania specific financial assistance options are available, including; loans, bill assistance, advice, counselling and more.

There are numerous free financial services for Australians throughout Tasmania. Whether you live in one of the larger cities like as Hobart, Launceston; or a smaller regional area such as Devonport there are great options available to you. Even small country towns have access to local and national financial assistance and programs.

If you are a low-income earner, you may be eligible for certain benefits and concessions offered by the Tasmania government and non-profits. These benefits are different than those offered through the Centrelink office and must be applied for separately. This additional support may be able to help you better manage your finances and meet all your financial responsibilities each month.

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

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

Household Costs

Annual Electricity Concession. This concession helps families afford to pay their annual electric bill. If eligible, you can receive up to 125.71 cents per day to help cover the cost of you electric expense.

Heating Allowance. This special benefit is paid out two times a year, in May and September for a flat fee of $28 to help toward the cost of heating your home.

Life Support Concessions. If you, or a loved one, are on any eligible life support system, they may be able to receive a special concession on the cost of running their electric. Payments vary between equipment. For example, an oxygen concentrator pays 93.174 cents per day, whereas a respirator pays 123.231 cents per day.

Medical Emergency Concessions. If you have a medical condition that requires you to maintain a set temperature in your home, you may be eligible for a special concession of up to 37.653 cents per day.

Water and Sewerage Concessions. If eligible, you can receive a special payment to help cover your water and/or sewerage annual costs. This concession pays as much as $84.50 per year for water and $84.50 per year for sewerage for a total of $164.00 per year.

First Home Owner Grant. If you are purchasing a home or building a home for the first time, you may be eligible for this special grant. Depending on your specific situation, you may be eligible for a grant of up to $30,000.

Private Rent Support Scheme. If you are a renter and have trouble making your monthly payments, have fallen behind on your rent, or need help paying a bond to set up a new apartment, this program can help by providing you with at least some of the funds you need.

Health Care

Adult Dental Services. This special program helps low-income earners pay for emergency dental treatments.

Pharmaceuticals Concessions. This concession limits the amount of out-of-pocket expense that you will have to pay per prescription to $36.10.

Spectacles Assistance Scheme. This program helps low-income earners who are in need of a new pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Transport Fees

Transport Access Scheme. With this scheme, you can receive a discount on transport expense of 50 to 60 per cent.

Driver’s Licence Concessions. If you are a low-income earner under that age of 65-years old, you may be eligible for a discount between $10.22 and $49.64. If you are over 65-years old, there is no driver’s licence fee.

Seniors

Senior Card. The Tasmania Senior Card is for seniors who are over the age of 60-years old and work less than 20 hours per week. It provides the card bearer with a discount at more than 160 locations that include transportation costs, lodging, dining, clothing, and health care services. Discount varies by provider.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Council Rate Remission. Depending on your income, you may be able to see a reduction of as much as 30 per cent on your annual council rates.

Non-Profits

St. Vincent de Paul Society. One of the world’s largest non-profits. They help people find aged care and disability employment. They also help with food, finances, and housing. They offer assistance with addiction and other health issues, as well.

Community Housing Limited CHL. located land and manages funding for properties they design and build. They manage the properties for low earning tenants who pay rents equal to 25% of their income. If the tenant qualifies for Commonwealth assistance, the rent will be calculated accordingly. Rents are set at less than 75% of the current market rate. The properties are built to provide a safe home for families to live and work to live better lives.

No Interest Loan Scheme (TAS). If you are in need of a small loan up to $1500 for a household expense, this is great loan. There is no interest attached to it and the repayment period is up to 18 months.

In addition to the above, other popular National non-profits include; The Red Cross, Salvos and local churches or community centres.

Financial Advice

Financial Counselling Australia. If you are experiencing financial difficulty and don’t know who to turn to for help, then Financial Counselling Australia is a great choice. They provide a free, unbiased and professional service to help you through your financial circumstances.