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

Are you frustrated with your current financial situation? Are you in need of some extra money to help with your bills? Learn about the different National and WA specific financial support options including; loans, bill assistance, advice, counselling and more.

There are a number of free financial services for Australians across Western Australia. Whether you live in one of the larger regions such as Perth, Bunbury, or Geraldton; or smaller cities such as Busselton or Albany there are services available to you. Even smaller remote country towns have access to local and national financial assistance and programs.

The Western Australian government has created a series of special benefits and concessions to help low-income earners and seniors cover some of their everyday expenses. These specialised programs either provide you with some additional income to help make some of your payments, or offer a special discount to lower the rate you have to pay. Either way, the use of these programs can help make running a household more manageable.

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

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

Household Costs

Hardship Utility Grant Scheme (HUGS). If you are having a hardship and unable to keep up with your regular utility bills, these scheme can help. It offers a one-time payment of up to $853.00 for normal payment, up to $1,228.00 for people who through a crisis, and up to an additional $390.00 when deemed necessary.

Cost of Living Australian Rebate. This rebate is part of the Energy Concession Extension Scheme and offers families a one-time annual payment of $217 to help offset their standard utility bills.

Dependent Child Rebate. This program is also under the Energy concession Extension Scheme and is specifically for those with dependent children. It offers a special annual rebate of up to $434.00 depending on how many dependents you have.

Air Conditioning Rebate. This rebate is designed to help Western Australian residents make it through the summer months, by helping to cover some of their electricity use due to running the air conditioner. This provides a monthly payment of up to $49.19.

Bond Assistance Loans. This is a special loan available to eligible renters who need assistance in paying the bond necessary to set up a new apartment. This is a loan and does need to be repaid, but can be paid in fortnightly payment of at least $25.

Water Bill Subsidies. This is a subsidy offered to low-income earners and seniors who cannot afford to pay the entire amount of their water bill. These subsidies will reduce the amount you need to pay each month. The amount of the reduction depends on your specific situation.

First Home Owner Grant. First time homebuyers, who are planning to purchase a home or build a new home, may be eligible for a special grant of up to $10,000 on any home valued up to $750,000.

Health Care

Spectacles Subsidy Scheme. This program will cover up to $50 off the purchase a new set of eyeglasses for qualified people. This grant can be obtained one time every two years.

Transport Fees

Transport Concessions. Depending on your specific situation, you may be eligible for up to 100 per cent off the costs of your annual driver’s licence and registration costs.

Seniors

WA Senior Card. The Western Australia Senior Card is available to seniors who are over the age of 60-years old and working less than 25 hours per week. It offers card bearers between 10 and 50 per cent off the regular purchase price at select retailers and government agencies. It also offer a significant discount on public transport options throughout Western Australia.

Miscellaneous Expenses

Emergency Service Levy Concession. If you qualify for this concession, it will reduce the amount you need to pay for your annual Emergency Service Levy fee. Eligibility is based on income, age, and residency.

Non-Profits

Richmond Fellowship. This community support service provides a supportive community setting to former psychiatric hospital patients that includes safe housing and counselling to deal with day to day interaction outside of a hospital setting. They also provide respite care so that Carers can take a break from the stress of dealing with their loved ones issues.

Beehive Industries of WA (INC). This organisation is the only one of its kind in all of Australia, providing a place for retired workers, disabled individuals, or people living in other challenging situations to work and feel like an important part of the community.

No Interest Loan Scheme (WA). 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. Loan amounts are $200 to $1500.

Other great non-profits that provide financial assistance include the Salvos, Vinnies, the Red Cross

Financial Advice

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