When facing financial hardship, especially after leaving an abusive relationship, there are several national and state-based assistance programs available in Australia to help you manage essential expenses. These programs provide financial support for utilities, rent, groceries, and other necessities. Browse an overview of the key hardship assistance payments available:
Crisis Payment for extreme circumstances family and domestic violence: Available up to four times in 12 months for people who have experienced family and domestic violence and already receive income support payments. This payment has several eligibility requirements, which are viewable at Services Australia.
Crisis Payment for other extreme circumstances: This payment provides additional support if you are not eligible for the Crisis Payment for FDV.
Escaping Family Violence Payment: A one-off payment of up to $5,000 to help Australian citizens and permanent residents experiencing partner violence in financial hardship due to family and domestic violence. Available to those experiencing family violence, regardless of whether they are receiving other Centrelink payments.
Red Cross Family and Domestic Violence Financial Assistance: Provides financial assistance in the form of vouchers for essentials like food, clothing, and transport to individuals who are experiencing family or domestic violence. Available to those in urgent financial need after experiencing family and domestic violence. The program is not open to Australian citizens or permanent visa holders. If you are a citizen or permanent visa holder, you may be eligible for support through the Australian Government’s Escaping Violence Payment.
No Interest Loan Scheme: Offers small loans of up to $3000 for essential goods and services, such as household appliances, medical expenses, or car repairs. Available to individuals with a Health Care Card, Pensioner Concession Card, OR an income under $70,00 a year (before tax) OR who have experienced family and domestic violence within the last 10 years.
ANZ Saver Plus: A matched savings program that helps individuals develop long-term saving habits. Participants save up to $500, which is then matched dollar for dollar (up to $500) by the program to cover education-related expenses. Available to individuals with a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card who have some form of regular income.
Western Australia Hardship Utilities Grant Scheme (HUGS): Provides financial assistance to help pay electricity, water, and gas bills for Western Australia residents in financial hardship.
Western Australia Concession: Find a full list of available concessions through ConcessionsWA.
Western Australia rental assistance while in a refuge: If you rent a Department of Housing home and need to stay at Women’s Refuge, you can apply for the “absentee minimum rent”, which reduces your rent to $10 per week for up to 3 months.
Dependent child rebate—Electricity: This helps eligible concession card holders with dependent children meet electricity costs. The rebate is calculated according to the number of dependent children on the concession card.
Crisis Payment for extreme circumstances family and domestic violence – Services Australia: This is a national crisis payment available to people who have experienced family and domestic violence and meet the other eligibility criteria.
NSW Government Immediate Needs Support Package: This package is available to victims of domestic violence in NSW for rent assistance and other purchases up to a maximum of $5,000.
New South Wales Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA): Provides vouchers to help pay electricity or gas bills for NSW residents experiencing short-term financial crises or emergencies.
Brokerage and emergency crisis payment arrangements: A list of available crisis payments in QLD.
Victoria Utility Relief Grant Scheme (URGS): Offers financial assistance to low-income Victorian households who cannot pay their utility bills due to a temporary financial crisis.
South Australia Financial Counselling and Support Services: Provides advice, advocacy, and referrals to emergency financial relief programs for South Australian residents experiencing financial hardship.
Financial hardship support payments: Find information about available payments or interest-free loan options in SA.
Safe at Home Flexible Support Packages: This program aims to complement existing practical resources up to a maximum of $6,000 for essential items.
Victim financial help: Financial assistance may be available for victims, people injured by witness crime, or family members of deceased victims.