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Urgent help with money

Where to get help if you're in crisis or struggling to make ends meet

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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:

Find a food relief service near you:

Contact your nearest:

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.

Australian Capital Territory

OneLink
1800 176 468
8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
12:15pm to 3:30pm, Saturday and Sunday

New South Wales 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

Homes 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

 

13YARN
13 92 76
Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
27 hours / 7 days

Depression or anxiety

Beyond Blue
1300 22 46 36
24 hours
Beyond Blue's web chat 

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

Health Services

National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO)