Help before it becomes a crisis.

Sometimes. It's not where we start. First we work out what's causing the pressure and what would actually help. That might be a hardship program, a financial counsellor, a document pack, or a specialist service. Where one practical cost is the thing keeping you stuck, TEKVA may pay it direct to the provider.

We don't approve support by category. We look at whether it's essential, time-sensitive, and likely to change what happens next. Common areas: housing pressure, utilities, medical and dental costs, work-access blockers like transport or a licence, and training tied to a real job.

TEKVA may provide limited support. TEKVA does not make cash payments to participants. It's one tool. Many people get navigation, free tools, referrals, or a financial counselling pathway instead, because that's often what the situation actually needs.

When a service refers you, a real person at TEKVA reads the referral and gets in touch with you or your worker about next steps. Together we work out whether TEKVA is the right fit and what comes next. Any payment is decided separately.

If we're the right fit, we start with what's most urgent: the bills, the calls, the deadlines. From there, support can include getting back to work and income, and building AI skills for the job search. If another service is a better fit, we'll help connect you with it.

TEKVA isn't a crisis service. If you're in immediate danger, call 000. Lifeline is 13 11 14, any time. For urgent food, housing, or emergency relief, Ask Izzy and the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) can point you to services near you. Our Get help now page at tekva.org.au/start lists who to call today.

Working-age Australians under real financial pressure — especially when a bit of help now means you can keep your job, your home, or your income. We look at every situation individually, including gig workers, freelancers, and people between roles. If we're not the right fit, we'll point you to who is. Direct financial support is currently available in NSW only. Our free tools, guides and referrals are available anywhere in Australia, and if you're outside NSW we'll point you to the right service where you live.

TEKVA is a registered charity, funded by donations and grants — and we're always looking for more support so we can back more people. If you're able to, you can donate or partner with us. Every contribution goes toward helping working-age Australians through financial pressure.

Yes. TEKVA Limited is an ACNC-registered charity and a Public Benevolent Institution with DGR-1 endorsement, so gifts of $2 or more are tax-deductible. ABN 88 689 519 686.

No. TEKVA provides practical support, information, and free tools — not financial product advice, legal advice, or insolvency advice. Our financial counselling is delivered by an FCAN-registered Financial Counsellor, and where specialist advice is needed, we connect you with qualified professionals.

We'll still point you somewhere useful. If we're not the right organisation to help, we'll refer you to services that can.