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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
- 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.
Financial hardship
- 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.
