Emergency help with finances

If you're experiencing financial stress, there are services that can help. You might be able to access:

  • food vouchers
  • chemist vouchers
  • transport vouchers
  • help with rent or accommodation costs
  • help toward the cost of bills
  • material help, such as food hampers or clothing, and sometimes cash
  • financial counselling.

Emergency financial help and counselling

Contact an organisation in your area for help in an emergency:

One-off crisis payments can be requested if you receive a Centrelink income support payment.

Emergency electricity payment

The Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme provides an emergency payment to help electricity customers in financial hardship.

You could get this if:

  • you have an electricity debt
  • you're at risk of your electricity being disconnected, or it has already been.

Contact a financial counsellor to assess your financial situation. They can lodge an application on your behalf.

Affordable SA

A resource hub for South Australians to help them with affordability challenges.

Affordable SA - Salvation Army

National debt helpline

A national service offering confidential, and independent information.

National debt helpline

No interest loan scheme

No interest loan scheme (NILS) provides no-fee, interest-free loans for people living on a low income.

Loans can be used to purchase essential household items like fridges, washing machines and furniture, education essentials - such as computers and text books - and some medical and dental services.

NILS can’t be used for regular household expenses such as rent, bills or food.

Access NILS


Related information

On this site


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Provided by:
Department of Human Services
URL:
https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/care-and-support/concessions/financial-aid/emergency-financial-aid
Last Updated:
02/05/25
Printed on:
21/05/25
Copyright statement:
SA.GOV.AU is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Licence. © Copyright 2025
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