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, as well as 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.

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:

• food vouchers or food parcels
• 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 full list of emergency relief services, see the Department of Social Service Grant Services Directory.

Centrelink

Centrelink provides a payment to people eligible for income support. Call 132 850, 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.

Australian Capital Territory	Housing and Community Services ACT OneLink 1800 176 468 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday 12:15pm to 3:30pm, Saturday and Sunday
New South Wales	Family and Community Services Link2home 1800 152 152 24 hours
Northern Territory	ShelterMe
Queensland	Homeless Hotline 1800 474 753 24 hours
South Australia	Homelessness Gateway 1800 003 308 24 hours
Tasmania	Housing Tasmania Housing Connect 1800 800 588 24 hours
Victoria	HousingVic 1800 825 955 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 24 hours on weekends and public holidays
Western Australia	Entrypoint Perth 1800 124 684 (includes regional WA) 9am to 7pm, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday Closed public holidays

Emotional support

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

Crisis support	Lifeline 13 11 14 24 hours Lifeline's crisis support online chat
Depression or anxiety	Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36 24 hours Beyond Blue's web chat (3pm to 12am)
Sexual assault, domestic or family violence counselling	1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 24 hours
Alcohol or other drug use	Family Drug Support Australia 1300 368 186 24 hours
Gambling	Gambling Help Online National Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858 24 hours