The following services may be able to help you relieve your immediate financial distress.
Severe Financial Hardship Payment
If you meet certain conditions, Rest now allows you to access part of your super if you're experiencing severe financial hardship. These conditions include receiving Commonwealth income support payments for either 26 continuous weeks or a cumulative period of 39 weeks, depending on whether you've reached the preservation age (the age you'd usually be able to access your super from).
If you haven’t reached your preservation age, the maximum amount you can withdraw under severe financial hardship is $10,000, and this can only be made once in a 12 month period.
To apply for an early release of your super under severe financial hardship payment, contact us on Live Chat or call us on 1300 300 778.
For more information see Accessing your super early
Centrelink
Centrelink is part of the Department of Human Services. They deliver social security payments and services to Australians.
Call: 132 850
Website: www.humanservices.gov.au/centrelink
Online tool: Payment and Service finder tool
National Debt Helpline
NDH is a not-for-profit service that helps people in Australia tackle their debt problems.
They are not a lender and they don't 'sell' anything or make money from you. Their professional financial counsellors offer a free, independent and confidential service. They are here to help you get back on track.
Call: 1800 007 007
Website: www.ndh.org.au
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers a range of support options to help with financial difficulties, depending on the nature of your problems.
Call: 1300 371 288
Website: salvos.org.au/need-help/financial-assistance
St Vincent De Paul
The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia has more than 60,000 members and volunteers, who work hard to assist people in need and combat social injustice across Australia.
Call: 1300 VINNIES
Website: www.vinnies.org.au/findhelp
The following services may be able to provide financial assistance if you are undergoing treatment for cancer.
Cancer Council
Cancer Council NSW provides direct emergency financial assistance to people affected by cancer and financial disadvantage.
Call: 13 11 20
Website: www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-support/pro-bono-program/financial-assistance/
Red Kite
Cancer is expensive. Treatment can put pressure on finances, particularly for those who need to travel and stay away from home, or young people living independently.
Redkite can help cover the cost of many essential items, including:
- Bills for electricity, gas, water, rates, internet and phone
- Car registration, insurance, and in some cases, repairs
- Rent and mortgage payments
- Accommodation relating to treatment e.g. hotel bills
- Shell fuel vouchers and Coles grocery vouchers
Website: www.redkite.org.au/support/financial-assistance