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Financial hardship and managing money

A list of available resources if you’re worried about money or have a debt after transitioning off the workers compensation scheme.

After transitioning off the workers compensation scheme, some people can face financial hardship.

If you’re worried about money or have a debt, we have put together a list of resources available to you.

The sooner you get help and advice, the more options you will have.

The following resources are grouped into categories. All contact details can be found at the end of this page.

Immediate help

If you need urgent help, there are organisations that can help with immediate living expenses. Expenses covered can range from food to rent, clothing to budgeting help. The following providers can help with living expenses or connect you to them.

Department of Social Services
Salvation Army
St Vincent de Paul

You can also contact your local church or community organisation for more providers.

Financial and legal services

If you have difficulty with mortgage repayments or a loan, there is free financial advice available. The following providers can help with budgeting, borrowing, credit and mortgage debt.

Legal Aid Australia
MoneySmart
National Debt Helpline
Services Australia

Financial hardship

The following providers can help with advice, loan options and early access to super.

Australian Financial Complaints Authority
Australian Taxation Office
Low-income loans Australia
No interest loan scheme

You can also contact your bank for help.

Energy and water

If you’re struggling to pay a bill, all energy and water companies have a hardship program you can access. This includes payment plans, help with water/energy usage and cheaper plans. You may be eligible to apply for the Victorian Government’s utility relief grant scheme. The following provider can help you.

Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria

Full provider list

Immediate help

Department of Social Services

Information about your closest relief service.
Website: dss.gov.au
Phone: 1300 653 227
Salvation Army

Range of services from help finding a job, housing to food.
Website: salvationarmy.org.au
Phone: 03 8873 5288
St Vincent de Paul Society

Help with food, bills, wellbeing and more.
Website: vinnies.org.au/vic/find-help
Phone: 13 18 12
Welfare assistance: 1800 305 330

Financial and legal services

Legal Aid Australia

Free legal advice about debt and financial issues.
Website: legalaid.vic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 732 387 (Mon-Fri 8:45 am to 5:15 pm)
MoneySmart
Debt, rates or mortgage payments information.
Free legal advice.
Online budget planners.
Website: moneysmart.gov.au
Website: moneysmart.gov.au/managing-debt/urgent-help-with-money
National Debt Hotline

Free financial counselling.
Website: ndh.org.au
Chat: weekdays 9:30 am to 8:00pm on website
Phone: 1800 007 007 (weekdays 9:30 am to 4:30 pm )
Services Australia

Information about budgeting, borrowing, credit and managing debt.
Website: servicesaustralia.gov.au/manage-your-money

Financial hardship

Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)

Free dispute resolution for financial complaints.
Website: afca.org.au
Phone: 1800 931 678
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

Early access to superannuation if you meet certain criteria.
Website: ato.gov.au/super
Phone: 13 10 20
Low Income Loans Australia

Loan options and benefits for low-income earners.
Website: lowincomeloansaustralia.com.au
No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)

No interest loans of up to $2,000 for essential goods and services.
Website: goodshep.org.au/services/nils
Phone: 13 64 57

Energy and water

Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria

Help with payment plans, usage tips, referrals and more.
Website: ewov.com.au/common-complaints/trouble-paying-a-bill
Phone: 1800 500 509 (weekdays 8:30 am to 5:00 pm)

For more information

WorkSafe Advisory

WorkSafe's advisory service is available between 7:30am and 6:30pm Monday to Friday. If you need more support, you can also contact WorkSafe using the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) or the National Relay Service.

1800 136 089 More contact options