On this page you will find information about:
Bond and rent in advance Rent payments Rent in arrears One-off emergency payments Concessions for household bills Money management No-interest loans Food and practical help
Bond and rent in advance
If you are eligible, Housing SA may be able to help you pay all or part of a bond or rent in advance. For more information see Applying for financial assistance.
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Rent payments
Centrelink provides ongoing assistance to help eligible people meet their rent payments. More information is available from the Centrelink website.
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Rent in arrears
If you are renting privately, have fallen behind in your rent and are eligible, Housing SA may be able to help you pay rent arrears. For more information see Rent in arrears.
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One-off emergency payments
If you are experiencing financial hardship - eg escaping domestic or family violence, recently released from institutional care, you may be eligible for a one-off crisis payment from Centrelink.
Some organisations - eg Salvation Army, may help you with a one-off emergency payment to help you pay a bill - eg telephone, electric, water bills. Before making a payment the organisation will usually investigate your need to make sure you have no other options.
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Concessions for household bills
If you are on a low income you may be eligible for a concession for:
- water bills
- energy bills
- council rates
- dog licenses
- public transport.
Check your eligibility for concessions using the Concessions Finder website.
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Money management
Financial counselling could be helpful if you are:
- behind in loan or credit payments
- unsure about a contract you have signed
- unable to pay your rent
- believe you are being unfairly treated by traders or creditors
- facing court action because of debt
- considering bankruptcy.
A financial counsellor can help you:
- set and maintain a household budget
- negotiate with creditors
- assess your eligibility and refer you to other services
- explain debt recovery procedures, bankruptcy and contract obligations.
You can find a financial counsellor in your area through the South Australian Financial Counsellors Association website.
The Money smart website has tips on managing money including a free online budget planner.
StartDreams provides information and tools that can help you learn to manage money.
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No-interest loans
Some people on a low income are eligible for a no interest loan. These loans are specifically for low income households to help purchase household goods including:
- washing machines
- beds
- fridges and freezers.
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Food and practical help
A variety of organisations provide food packages - eg Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul Society, Anglicare SA. Many of these organisations have shops where you can purchase items at a low cost, including:
- furniture and soft furnishings
- pots and pans
- clothing
- dishware and cutlery
- toys and books.
Some also offer discounts for people who hold a Centrelink health care card, seniors card or similar.
You can find services in your area through the SA Community website.
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More information
On this site
Bankruptcy
Looking for work
Rental bonds
About rent charges
Other websites
SACommunity
Need help in a crisis? - Centrelink
Downloads
Centrelink: Crisis payment for people in extreme circumstances (PDF 116KB)
For an alternative version of these documents contact Centrelink.
Contact
Housing SA