There are numerous financial assistance packages provided by the government to help you, including an 'allowance' while you're studying or undertaking training, or if you are unemployed or buying your first home.

National Debt Helpline - financial counselling

The National Debt Helpline is a free financial counselling service. They can either provide you with financial counselling information and advice based on your circumstances, or refer you to a financial counselling service in your area.

You can call the National Debt Helpline directly on 1800 007 007 or chat with them online.

For more information, visit our what to do if you're in debt page.

Victorian Government concessions

A range of concessions are available to low income individuals and families in Victoria. If you are eligible for a concession, it means you can pay less for things like your bills and public transport.

Most Victorian Government concessions are available to individuals and families who receive income support payments from the Australian Government and who have an appropriate Commonwealth concession card such as a:

  • Pensioner Concession Card
  • Health Care Card
  • Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card

For some concessions, like energy or water, the account or bill has to have the same name on it as the name on the concession card. Holders of Health Care Cards listed as Child Disability or Foster Care are generally not entitled to Victorian Government concessions.

For more information about Victorian Government concessions, contact the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521 (free call) or visit concessions and benefits to find what options are available, what you're eligible for and how to apply for them.

Centrelink assistance for students and the unemployed

The Australian Government provides a range of allowances or regular payments to people in Australia depending on their financial and other circumstances. Here's a quick overview:

  • JobSeeker Payment - if you’re over 22 years old and looking for work, or if you’re sick or injured and can’t do your usual work or study for a short time, you can apply for JobSeeker payments.
  • Youth Allowance - if you're aged between 16 and 24 years of age and are a full-time student you're eligible to apply for the Youth Allowance.
  • Austudy - if you're a full-time student and you are 25 years old or older, then you should apply for Austudy.
  • ABSTUDY - if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and are studying either full-time or part-time at secondary or tertiary level, you're qualified to apply for ABSTUDY payments.
  • Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) - the PES is provided to people who receive any of the various pensions (including disability support pensions, parenting payments, widow allowance and payments from the Department of Veterans' Affairs) and who are studying either full-time or part-time.
  • Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) - if you're a primary, secondary or tertiary student and you can't go to an appropriate government school because you live too far away, your family may qualify for the AIC scheme.

Health Care Cards

If you're eligible for any of these allowances, you might also be eligible for a Health Care Card. But even if you don't receive any of the allowances, you might still be eligible for one. Not only can the Health Care Card act as a travel concession card, it can give you other additional benefits, like:

  • discounted prescription medicine
  • lower utility bills (a big help to those students living out of home)
  • cheap movie tickets.

For more information about financial help while studying, go to our guide to Youth Allowance, Austudy and other allowances.

Financial assistance to help you pay for tertiary fees

For tertiary students, there are programs designed to help you pay for your education.

The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is for eligible students enrolled in Commonwealth supported places, to be used to cover their student contribution. HELP replaces the old HECS.

FEE-HELP is for eligible students enrolled in non-Commonwealth supported places which, like HELP, payment can be deferred.

For more information on assistance with paying for your education, visit financial support.

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

The Victorian Government helps first home buyers through the First Home Owner Grant. This is a one-off payment of up to $10,000 for eligible first home owners to help with the purchase or construction of their first home.

Links

National Debt Helpline - financial counselling
Financial counselling services provides information, advice and practical support for those with financial difficulties.

Victorian Government - concessions and benefits
Concessions help eligible Victorians with bills and public transport. Find out if you're eligible by using the online calculator.

Centrelink - education
Centrelink's support payments for people who are currently studying or training.

Centrelink - work
Centrelink's support payments for people who have recently become unemployed or are looking for work. 

Centrelink - Health Care Card
Find out if you're eligible, how to apply and what card holders are entitled to.

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
A one-off payment of up to $10,000 to help eligible first home owners with the purchase or construction or construction of a new home.