MoneySmart
(ASIC)
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.
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 Services Grants Service Directory.
Help for people affected by bushfires
If you’re experiencing financial difficulty because of the recent bushfires, contact the National Debt Helpline.
Centrelink
Centrelink provides two kinds of emergency payments to people eligible for income support. Call 132 850, 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Crisis payment
You may be able to get a special payment if you are in a crisis situation such as:
- severe financial hardship
- an extreme life change (for example, if you are leaving a violent relationship, are a refugee or are getting out of jail)
- a natural disaster
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 .
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 |
| Sexual assault, domestic or family violence counselling | 1800RESPECT 1800 727 732 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 |
