Before you start
Check eligibility with the program. Rules, income limits, dates and funding change and differ by area. This site is a directory of official and major nonprofit help. It is not legal or financial advice, and we are not connected to any program. Official programs don’t charge a fee to apply.
Your energy rights
Energy retailers must have a hardship policy. Ask yours for its hardship program and a payment plan you can afford.
Official programs and free help
National Debt Helpline
Free financial counselling (not-for-profit)
Free, confidential financial counselling for help with bills, rent arrears and debt.
How to get it: Call 1800 007 007 or use the website.
Rent Assistance
Services Australia
Extra money paid with eligible Centrelink payments if you pay rent above a certain amount. You don’t usually need to apply separately.
How to get it: Check who can get it on the Services Australia website.
Crisis Payment
Services Australia
A one-off payment for people on an income support payment who are in severe financial hardship because of certain extreme circumstances.
How to get it: Check eligibility on Services Australia.
Energy hardship programs
Australian Energy Regulator
Energy retailers must have hardship policies, including payment plans. If you stick to a hardship arrangement, the retailer can’t disconnect you for not paying.
How to get it: Call your energy retailer and ask for its hardship program.
Ask Izzy
Infoxchange (not-for-profit)
Find free or low-cost services near you, such as food, housing and money help.
How to get it: Search by what you need and your location.
Get ready to apply
Programs usually ask you to prove who you are, where you live and what your household earns. Before you call, it helps to have:
- ID for the person applying
- Recent proof of income for everyone in the home (pay stubs, benefit letters)
- Your latest bill, and any past-due or shut-off notice
- Your lease or rental agreement (for rent help)
- Your account numbers
Call your utility or landlord early. Many will agree a payment plan if you ask before you fall far behind.
Make a plan for next month
Once the urgent bill is covered, a simple budget can help stop it happening again. Our free Budget Planner helps you plan your money each month, the debt payoff calculator shows how to clear what you owe, and the rent affordability calculator checks what rent fits your income.
Find help that fits you
Pick your country and what you need help with to see official programs.
Open the bill help finderFrequently asked questions
Do I need to apply for Rent Assistance?
Usually not separately. It’s paid with eligible Centrelink payments if you pay enough rent. Check Services Australia.
Who can help for free?
The National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) offers free financial counselling.
Last reviewed: October 2026. General information only — check providers' official sites for current features and pricing.