Overview
TBC
What's on this page
Rent
If you are worried about paying your rent, don’t wait until you have fallen behind. Talk to your landlord or real estate agent to see if you can negotiate a reduced rent, a temporary freeze on payments, or delay your rent payments for a set amount of time.
If you’re unable to work, check with Centrelink to see if you are eligible for any benefits. If you already receive Centrelink benefits such as the Age Pension, Carer Payment or Disability Support Pension, you may be able to get Rent Assistance. Check eligibility requirements.
You can also contact your local housing office or tenants advice service for information about assistance that may be available. You may find it helpful to talk to a financial counsellor or contact a community legal centre.
Utility bills
Utilities include services like electricity, gas, water, phone and internet. If you need help paying for your utilities, you have some options.
Hardship programs
Hardship programs
Most utility providers are required by law to offer payment options to customers who are having trouble paying their bills. This is called a hardship policy, and how this works varies from provider to provider.
You may be able to set up a payment plan that will allow you to pay later (defer the payment) or pay several smaller amounts over a set period (pay by instalments). Once you register with a hardship program and are regularly paying something off your bill, your utility provider cannot cut off your supply. To find out more about individual hardship programs, contact your service provider.
Rebates and concessions
Rebates and concessions
Rebates and concessions can reduce the amount you owe on your utility bills. They are usually available to customers on low incomes, people receiving certain Centrelink payments and holders of some concession cards.
Special rebates may be available to customers who are medically unable to regulate their body temperature, or who need to use certain essential medical equipment (such as an oxygen concentrator) at home.
Payment vouchers and grants
Payment vouchers and grants
In most states and territories, customers in financial hardship can receive payment assistance vouchers or grants to put towards their utility bills.
These may be available through community welfare agencies such as the Salvation Army, or directly by the relevant state or territory government department.
To find organisations and government departments that provide rebates and vouchers visit Money Smart and search for problems paying your bills
Energy efficiency programs
Energy efficiency programs
Changing how you use energy may reduce your bills. Some states and territories offer free energy and water efficiency assessments to help customers find ways to use less energy and water. They may also help with energy-saving or water-saving repairs and alterations, such as offering a reduced fee for a plumber to fix your leaking taps.
Visit Energy for energy-saving tips, and to find assistance in your state or territory. Download the Light Bulb Saver app from the App Store or Google Play to see how much money you can save by using energy-efficient alternatives.
Support and disputes
Support and disputes
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Family members or friends might be able to help you find information or talk to a financial counsellor. Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 can sometimes help you find a financial counsellor.
Independent services can help you resolve disputes with your utilities provider. If you need help with a dispute about phones or the internet, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman may be able to assist – call 1800 062 058.
For disputes with water or gas providers, contact your state or territory’s energy and water ombudsman. For a list of ombudsman schemes, go to the Australian Energy Regulator and search for useful contacts.
I was embarrassed to ask for help, but it was a bad time for me to get sick. Getting help paying my water rates was much appreciated.
Try to avoid using credit cards to pay your bills and other living expenses. Credit cards often charge high rates of interest, which means that if you don’t pay them off each month, the amount you owe will keep getting bigger.
Council rates
Councils can charge interest on the amount you owe if you have not paid your rates on time. If you are concerned that you may not be able to pay your rates, talk to your council before your rates are due. Many local councils have a rate assistance or rebate policy for people in financial hardship. You may be able to:
- claim a concession rate – these are available to holders of some concessions; the concession rate varies in each state and territory
- negotiate a payment plan to pay your rates in smaller instalments
- write off interest charges on overdue rates
- defer part or all of your rates and charges for a set period of time.
Contact your local council to find out about the help they offer to ratepayers. Most councils will ask you to put your request in writing.
Find support services
Find the right services for your needs, wherever you are in Australia
Read cancer information
Trusted cancer information for all people affected by cancer
Need to talk to someone?
We're available 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)