Where to get help right now when you're in crisis
If you need money urgently — for food, medicine, a safe place to stay, or to keep the lights on — there are organisations that can help today. You don't need to have everything figured out. Start here.
Need to talk to someone? 1800 007 007 — National Debt Helpline, free and confidential.
Where are you?
We'll show you local numbers, services, and rights specific to your state.
Check off each step as you go. Your progress is saved.
If you or someone you're with is in immediate danger, call 000. If you're experiencing family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. If you need emergency housing tonight, call Link2Home on 1800 152 152 (NSW).
Foodbank, OzHarvest, Salvos, and Vinnies all provide emergency food parcels. Call St Vincent de Paul on 13 18 12 or the Salvation Army on 13 72 58. Many churches and community centres also have food pantries — you don't need to be a member.
If you're on a Centrelink payment and facing an extreme circumstance (family violence, natural disaster, released from prison), you may qualify for a Crisis Payment — a one-off extra payment. Call 132 850 or go to a Centrelink office.
Organisations like Salvos, Vinnies, and Anglicare can provide emergency financial help — vouchers for food, fuel, medicine, or utility bills. Call and explain your situation. You don't need a referral.
If your power is about to be cut off, your state may have emergency energy grants: EAPA vouchers (NSW), URGS (VIC), HEEAS (QLD), HUGS (WA). These can be applied same-day in some cases. See the grants section below.
When you're desperate, payday loans and rent-to-own schemes seem like a solution. They're not — they charge massive interest and fees that make your situation worse. Good Shepherd offers no-interest loans (NILS) for essentials like fridges, washing machines, and car repairs. Call 13 NILS (13 64 57).
Your rights, who to call, and free services — everything in one place.
National Energy Retail Law (NERL) & National Energy Retail Rules (NERR)
Every energy retailer must have an approved hardship program. If you're struggling to pay, they must offer you entry into this program.
Your retailer must set payment amounts based on your capacity to pay — not just what they want. If you can only afford $30/week, that's what they must work with.
Your energy cannot be disconnected while you're on a hardship program and meeting your obligations. Even if you're not on a program, they must follow strict disconnection procedures first.
Disconnection is prohibited on days where the forecast temperature exceeds certain thresholds (varies by state — typically 39°C+ in NSW).
If you're in hardship, your retailer should offer information about how to reduce energy usage and may offer a home energy audit at no cost.
You can request to pay your energy bills directly from your Centrelink payments via Centrepay — making budgeting easier.
If your retailer doesn't follow these rules, you can complain to your state's Energy & Water Ombudsman for free. They have the power to order outcomes.
Tap any number to call directly. Tell them you're experiencing financial hardship.
What to say: Ask for the 'Staying Connected' hardship program. They must offer a payment plan based on what you can afford.
Your right: Under the National Energy Retail Law, AGL must not disconnect you while you're on a hardship plan and meeting your obligations.
What to say: Ask for the 'Power On' hardship program. Request a payment plan, energy audit, and concession check.
Your right: Origin must offer payment plans, direct Centrepay billing, and cannot disconnect while you're engaging with their hardship team.
What to say: Ask for the 'Energy Assist' hardship program. They can offer payment plans, debt waivers, and usage reduction support.
Your right: EnergyAustralia must assess your capacity to pay and set affordable repayment amounts.
What to say: Ask for their hardship program. Request a payment plan that matches your income cycle.
Your right: Must offer flexible payment options and not disconnect while you're on the hardship program.
What to say: Ask for their hardship assistance. They can reduce payments and set up Centrepay deductions.
Your right: Must work with you on a manageable payment arrangement.
These organisations provide free, professional help. Tap any number to call.
See services near you — select your state above to show local services alongside national ones.
Free supermarket and food rescue. Operates free supermarkets and delivers rescued food.
Food parcels, vouchers, household goods, and financial assistance for urgent needs
Support for anxiety, depression, and mental health — phone, chat, and forums
Professional support for men with emotional health and relationship concerns
National sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service
Free counselling for young people aged 5-25
Professional telephone and online counselling for people affected by suicide
Free, independent, and confidential financial counselling. Call to speak to a qualified financial counsellor.
Peak body for financial counsellors — find a financial counsellor near you via their directory
Free financial counselling including budgeting, debt management, and Centrelink appeals
No or low-interest loans for essentials like fridges, washing machines, cars, and education
Free legal advice on banking, insurance, debt, and financial services disputes
Looking for more? Browse the full service directory
TEKVA provides rapid financial support for working Australians in crisis. If you need help with rent, bills, medical costs, or other essentials, tell us your situation.