No Interest Loans Scheme
No Interest Loans (NILs) are available to individuals and families on low incomes to access to safe, fair and affordable credit. Loans are available for essential goods and services such as fridges, washing machines, car repairs and medical procedures for up to $1,500. Repayments are set at an affordable amount over 12 to 18 months.
In Moorabool NILs is provided through The Neighbours Place.
77 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
03 5367 6222
neighbourspl@iinet.net.au
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30am-12.30pm. Closed on public holidays.
Utility Relief Grant Scheme
Relief grants help to pay mains electricity, gas or water bill that is overdue due to a temporary financial crisis.
For an account holder who has one of the following eligible concession cards: • Pensioner Concession Card • Health Care Card • Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card. (If you don’t have one of these cards but are part of a low-income household, you may also be able to apply. Your retailer will ask you some questions to check if you are eligible before issuing a form).
The grant is available to renters and homeowners.
Website: services.dffh.vic.gov.au/utility-relief-grant-scheme
Escaping Violence Payment Program
The Escaping Violence Payment Program offers financial assistance and confidential support for people who have recently left a violent intimate partner.
From October 2021 the Federal Government provides women leaving a violent relationship access to a one-off payment of up to $5,000 to help them establish a life free of violence.
Under the two-year Escaping Violence Payment trial women will receive financial assistance of up to $1,500 in cash or vouchers, with the remainder available for goods and services or direct payments of bonds, school fees or other support services to help establish a safe home.
Click here to find out more (including eligibility). You do not need to be a client of the UnitingCare Network to access the payment and you can be referred by any family violence or other support service
Website: www.unitingvictas.org.au/services/family-services/family-violence-services/escaping-violence-payment
Mortgage Stress Victoria - West Justice
Get FREE legal, financial counselling and Social Work support for your mortgage stress. Mortgage stress can mean you are behind in mortgage repayments, or you could be paid up to date, but you have other financial, legal, health or emotional issues causing household stress. Contact for free expert advice and rights on most issues.
1800 572 292 Monday - Friday 9.30am-5pm
Or complete an online form for an appointment
National Debt Hotline
Whatever your financial difficulty, whether it’s the mortgage, the credit card, the gas bill or something else, the National Debt Helpline can help. Work out what you can afford, how to negotiate payment plans, what debts to prioritise, and much more. Manage your debts and get back on track.
Welcome Page - National Debt Helpline (ndh.org.au)
Call for FREE advice on how to manage your debts:1800 007 007
Financial Counselling Victoria
Financial counsellors provide free, independent and non-judgemental support and advocacy for people in financial difficulty. A financial counsellor can help you understand bills and loans, debts, housing payments, fines, utility relief, scams, Government assistance, consumer and financial rights, and insurance options.
Phone 9663 2000
Website: fcvic.org.au/get-help/
Financial Counselling - Anglicare Victoria
Offering non-judgemental, free and confidential financial information, counselling and advocacy.
Phone 1800 809 722
Website: www.anglicarevic.org.au/our-services/help-hub/financial-counselling/
Gamblers Help - Financial Counselling
Offering a range of support for people affected by gambling, their family and friends, including financial counselling, financial assistance and online support. Free and confidential support is also available in Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese. And interpreter for other languages can be arranged on request.
Phone 1800 858 858
Under 25 Youthline 1800 262 376
Website gamblershelp.org.au
Online Support gamblinghelponline.org.au
Victoria Legal Aid
General legal information and connection to services that may help for those who qualify for legal aid services. Find information regarding unpaid fines, victims of scams, money concerns and other legal issues.
Website legalaid.vic.gov.au
Phone 1300 792 387
Reconnect
The Reconnect program strives to support Victorians experiencing disadvantage. The program assists participants to overcome the barriers preventing them from engaging in education and training and provides support into further study or employment pathways.
Phone 8746 1000
Website: djerriwarrh.org.au/courses-programs/reconnect/