Managing on a low income

Make the most of your money by knowing what financial support is available, and practical ways to manage your costs.

Check if you're eligible for Government assistance

The Australian Government, state and territory governments offer financial support, concessions and rebates for people on lower incomes or who are experiencing hardship. Visit their websites to see if you're eligible. 

Financial programs to help people on low incomes

Some providers help to give people on lower incomes a boost with their finances. Check their websites to see if you’re eligible.

A boost for your super

If you earn $37,000 or less, you may be eligible for a low-income superannuation tax offset (LISTO). This means the Australian Government will contribute to your super balance, up to $500 per year. You can read more about it on the ATO website. You don't need to do anything to get this - if you're eligible it will get paid to your super automatically.

Savings plans

Saver Plus helps people on lower incomes with education costs.

You set a savings goal, and when you reach it, the amount is matched (up to $500). 

Loans for essentials

The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) offers affordable credit to people on a lower income. Loans are available for essential goods and services. Like a fridge or washing machine, car repairs or medical procedures for up to $2,000. Loans of up to $3,000 are available for housing costs or costs associated with a natural disaster.

These loans have no interest or fees, no credit checks and quick approval.

No or low fee accounts

If you get a government payment and are eligible for a concession card, ask your bank about a low fee bank account.

A low fee account has:

• no account keeping fees
• free statements
• no minimum deposits
• free direct debits
• access to a debit card at no extra cost
• free and unlimited transactions within Australia

If your bank statement includes any of these fees, consider changing accounts.

A financial counsellor from Mob Strong Debt Help (1800 808 488) or the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) can help you find a no fee account. Or talk with your bank to see if they have a First Nations call line you can use (if it applies to you).

If you're in crisis or struggling to make ends meet, see urgent help with money.

Practical ways to manage your costs

Automate your regular bill payments

Set up automatic direct debits for regular bills to take a little each pay day, if you can. Or set up a bank transfer for a small amount into a separate account for 'bills'. Then get your direct debits to come out of this account.

Pay large bills in smaller instalments

Contact your utility and other providers to ask about 'bill smoothing', which lets you pay bills in smaller amounts. You may be able to pay fortnightly or monthly, to avoid the shock of a large bill. This makes it easier to manage large bills, like car registration and insurance.

If you get a Centrelink payment from Services Australia, you can use their free Centrepay service to do this. This can help with regular bills, such as rent.

Track your spending

To see how much money is going out, track what you spend over one or two weeks. Include every transaction, no matter how small. Check our suggestions on ways to do this.

Look for ways to reduce spending

Look at your expenses and think about your needs and wants. You may be able to find some things you could reduce, at least for a while. For tips on how to do this, see simple ways to save money.

Do a budget

Having a budget helps you to feel more in control of your money. You can put aside money for big bills when they arrive, and plan savings to achieve your money goals. Use our budget planner to get started.