This information is a guide and should not be used as a substitute for professional legal advice.
Financial hardship
If you are a renter experiencing financial hardship, our free and confidential financial counselling service may be able to help you.
What is financial counselling?
Financial counsellors provide free, independent and non-judgemental information, advice, advocacy and support to people experiencing or at risk of financial difficulty.
At Tenants Victoria our financial counsellors can assist anyone who is renting.
Please note that we are not funded to pay for rent arrears.
Our financial counselling service
Our free and confidential financial counselling service supports renters in Victoria.
This service includes assistance with any matter in relation to debt such as:
- Rent arrears (overdue or outstanding rent) – current or previous properties
- Utility debt in current or previous properties – electricity, gas, water, phone, internet
- Credit – such as loans, credit cards and consumer leases
- Fines
- Complaints about your utility or credit provider
We can also assist with:
- Assessing your current financial situation
- Managing your debt
- Advice and information on credit and bankruptcy
- Referring you to other services that may be able to help you
We are not funded to pay for rent arrears or other financial assistance.
If you would like to know more or request a phone appointment with a financial counsellor contact us by email at: financialcounselling@tenantsvic.org.au
This page also links to useful help offered by other websites and services.
Financial hardship resources
If you need information and assistance, these other websites, services and programs may be able to help you.
Rental Stress
The Victorian Government’s Private Rental Assistance Program (PRAP) is available to eligible renters who are in financial hardship or survivors of family violence who will be able to sustain their rentals with some support. Search for ‘PRAP’ in a search engine to find community organisations that deliver the program. You can also check the government’s guidelines for how community organisations should operate PRAP.
The Housing Establishment Fund provides financial help to eligible people experiencing housing-related hardship. More information is on the ‘Financial help for private renters’ page on the HousingVic website.
Rent Assistance is a regular extra payment for people who are already getting certain Centrelink payments through Services Australia. The amount of assistance depends on how much rent is paid.
The Rent Assist bond loan is available from the Victorian Government to help pay a bond when moving into a rental. Eligibility requirements apply, including income limits.
NILS provides low-income households with access to safe, affordable credit for essential goods and services.
Utilities, internet and phones
This grant helps pay for an overdue utility bill, such as mains electricity and gas or water, that is overdue due to a temporary crisis. The grants are available to Victorians on low incomes. If you are eligible, you must contact your electricity, gas or water retail company, which will start the application.
If you have a problem with a utility service, you should contact the utility company. If they do not fix the problem, you can contact the Energy and Water Ombudsman of Victoria on 1800 500 509. Its services are free.
Provides a dispute resolution service for people who have been unable to resolve their complaint with a phone or internet service .
Concessions
Concessions are available to Victorians on low incomes who are having trouble paying their council rates and water, gas and electricity bills. There are requirements for each concession – check the Victorian Government’s concession eligibility calculator.
Emergency Relief
Foodbank is Australia’s largest hunger relief charity that provides millions of meals each year to people in need.
The Salvation Army helps people in crisis meet their immediate needs and find long-term solutions. Call 13 72 58.
Red Cross Emergency Relief provides support for temporary visa holders, people seeking asylum and people with an uncertain visa status to help meet their basic needs.
Budgeting
Moneysmart helps people take control of their money with free tools, tips and guidance.
Other services
National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service that helps people tackle their debt problems. It is not a lender and does not ‘sell’ anything or make money from people. Its professional financial counsellors offer a free, independent and confidential service.
Contact a financial counsellor on 1800 007 007, 9:30am to 4:30pm weekdays.
The Ask Izzy search tool helps you find local support services on many matters, including help with everyday needs and money issues, in your area.
Lifeline Australia provides all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14.
This is a confidential information, counselling and support service to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence. It is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Gambler’s Help services include online, telephone and face-to-face counselling, advice and information. Call 1800 858 858 or contact Gambler’s Help via the website.