Emergency assistance and crisis support
If you’re facing urgent financial stress or a personal crisis, you’re not alone. This page brings together the most relevant options for immediate help and crisis support in Australia.
Important to know: Way Forward does not provide emergency cash, food, rent or utility payments. We are a free debt charity and can help with longer‑term debt solutions. For urgent or crisis needs, the services below are the right place to start.
If you need help right now
Food, fuel, vouchers, housing or basic essentials
If you’re struggling to pay for food, transport or other basics, or need emergency housing and other support start with:
Ask Izzy – a free online tool that connects people who are in crisis with the services they need right now and nearby.
If you can’t pay rent or are at risk of eviction
Housing stress needs fast action. These steps can help:
- Talk to your landlord or agent early and explain what you can realistically afford.
- Check Ask Izzy for rental assistance and housing services.
- Contact your state or territory tenancy service – they provide free advice and advocacy.
Each state and territory also has short‑term rental assistance or relief programs delivered through government or community organisations. Eligibility and amounts vary, but these programs are designed to prevent eviction during temporary hardship.
If you are already homeless:
NSW: Link2Home – 1800 152 152
QLD: Homeless Hotline – 1800 474 753
VIC: Housing and Homelessness Support Line – 1800 825 955
WA: EntryPoint Perth – 1800 124 684
SA: Homelessness Gateway Service – 1800 003 308
NT: shelterme.org.au
TAS: Housing Connect – 1800 800 588
ACT: OneLink – 1800 176 468
If you can’t pay utility bills
If electricity, gas or water bills are overdue:
- Contact your utility provider’s hardship team and ask about payment plans or deferrals.
- Check if you’re eligible for state‑based concessions or emergency energy payments. You can do that by googling “electricity concessions” and your state/territory.
- You may be able to access payment assistance via an emergency relief provider – see Ask Izzy.
Avoid high‑interest credit or payday loans – these usually make things worse.
The National Debt Helpline, the free financial counselling service, can provide advice about negotiating with your utility provider and explain more about your rights – 1800 007 007.
Centrelink crisis and emergency payments
You may be eligible for Centrelink Crisis Payments or other assistance if you are:
- in severe financial hardship, and
- already receiving an income support payment or ABSTUDY, and
- experiencing an extreme circumstance (such as family violence, release from prison, a natural disaster, or arriving in Australia as a humanitarian entrant).
Timing matters – you usually need to contact Centrelink within 7 days of the event (14 days in some circumstances). The Centrelink website has information about how to apply for different payments depending on your circumstances.
Centrelink may also offer:
- Advance payments (paid early, then repaid over time)
- Special Benefit in limited circumstances
Use Centrelink’s Payment Finder to check what payments you may be eligible for.
No Interest Loans (NILS)
If you need help with an essential expense such as a fridge, washing machine, medical or dental costs, education expenses or car repairs, a phone or tablet (to a limit of $1,000), a No Interest Loan may be an option.
- Loans are interest‑free and fee‑free
- You only repay what you borrow
- Delivered by community organisations across Australia
NILS can’t be used for existing debts or everyday bills, but they can help avoid high‑cost credit.
You may be eligible if:
- Your income as a single person is less than $70,000 (before tax) or $100,000 if you have a partner and/or children
- You have lived at your current address for a minimum of three months (exceptions apply)
- You can show you can afford to repay the loan
- You have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years
- You have a Health Care or Pension Card.
While no credit checks will be carried out as part of your application, you must be able to demonstrate that you’ll be able to repay the loan.
You can find your local NILS provider via the Good Shepherd website.
Mental health and personal crisis support
Financial stress and crisis often go hand‑in‑hand with emotional distress.
- Lifeline
- Beyond Blue – for anxiety and depression support
If you’re in immediate danger or feel unsafe, call 000.
Domestic and Family Violence support
If you’re affected by domestic violence:
- 1800RESPECT – domestic, family violence and sexual violence counselling and support service
If you’re in immediate danger or feel unsafe, call 000.
Financial counselling services
Financial counsellors provide advice and support to people experiencing financial stress. They will talk through your options about managing your debts.
- National Debt Helpline – 1800 007 007 or ndh.org.au (to access information and webchat)
Financial counselling services are confidential and free. The National Debt Helpline may also refer you to a face-to-face financial counselling service.
Gambling, alcohol and addiction services
If gambling, substance use or other behaviours are affecting your finances or wellbeing:
- Gambler’s Help – support for people affected by gambling – 1800 858 858
- National Alcohol and Drug Hotline – 1800 250 015
- SMART Recovery – free peer support for addictive behaviours
These services are confidential and free.
