Urgent help with money

If you're feeling overwhelmed by money or personal issues, it can be hard to know where to turn. You don't have to go it alone.

In an emergency, there are services to help you with food, housing and bills, and emotional support.

If you don't know where to start, call the free National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm. Or live chat, Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 8:00pm.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can call the free Mob Strong Debt Helpline on 1800 808 488. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm.

Food and bills

Charities and community organisations have emergency relief services to help you with things like:

• meals, food parcels or food vouchers
• transport vouchers
• chemist vouchers
• clothing or furniture
• part-payment of utility bills
• help with back-to-school costs

Contact your nearest:

• Salvation Army 13 72 58
• St Vincent de Paul Society 13 18 12
• local community centre, church or community organisation

For a list of emergency relief services in your state or territory, see the Department of Social Service Grant Services Directory.

Centrelink

Centrelink provides a payment to people eligible for income support. Call 132 850, or the Centrelink Indigenous call centre on 1800 136 380, 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Crisis payment

You may be able to get a payment if you're in severe financial hardship following extreme circumstances. After a natural disaster, for example.

The Services Australia website has more information about crisis payments.

Advance payment

If you already get a Centrelink payment, you may be able to get an advance payment. This is money you would be getting from your existing payment but it's paid early. It's not an extra payment.

Housing

If you're homeless or in a housing crisis, your state or territory government can help.

They provide emergency temporary accommodation in places like low-cost hotels, motels and caravan parks. They may also be able to help with a rental bond.

Contact your state or territory housing department to see if you're eligible.

Emotional support

If you're going through a personal crisis, help is available. Contact one of these free and confidential services.