There are a range of places that provide assistance when you are in financial distress.
Help with Utility Bills
In Queensland you can get assistance with Utility Bills from Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme once every 2 years for upto $720, conditions apply, more details at:
No Interest Loans (NILs)
Borrow up to $2000 for:
- Household items (fridge, washing machine, furniture + more)
- Education fees & equipment
- Laptops & technology
- Car repairs & registration
- Medical & dental costs
Borrow up to $3,000 for:
- Bond & rent in advance
- Rates
- If you have been impacted by a natural disaster
Find out if your eligible at https://goodshep.org.au/services/loans/
Financial Counselling
Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) is the peak body for financial counsellors in Australia.
FCA is the national voice for the financial counselling profession in Australia. It is a not-for-profit organisation that:
- Provides resources and support for financial counsellors;
- Advocates for a fairer marketplace;
- Works to raise the profile of financial counsellors;
- Advocates to increase access to financial counselling; and
- Works to improve hardship processes for people in financial difficulty.
(expert from) https://www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au/
Christians Against Poverty
The following churches in the Lockyer Valley area run courses:
Trax Christian Church
26 Sea Eagle Drive,
LOWOOD,
Contact: Pastor Mike Behrends 0434 528 548
Fernvale Community Church
1483 Brisbane Valley Highway, Fernvale, QLD, 4306
Contact: Greg Muller 07 5426 7878
Catalyst Church
142 Pine Mountain Road,
BRASSALL, 4305
Contact: Mr & Mrs Richard & Katrina Latham 07 3813 4999
Whitehill Church of Christ
219 Whitehill Rd,
Raceview , QLD, 4305
Contact: Mr Darrel Ponter 07 3288 0186
Cityhope Church
7 Rex Hills Drive,
Ripley, 4306
Contact: Mr Kim Rolfe 07 3288 0611
Hope for the future.
Centrelink Payment and Service Finder
You may also find the Centrelink website helpful, they have a payment and services finder section that you go through and answer a few questions and they give you a list of available services and payments https://www.centrelink.gov.au/apps/clkonline_cof/payment-service-finder/payment-service-finder-start
Crisis Support Numbers
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact the following crisis services:
Emergency 000
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
MensLine 1300 78 99 78
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467