There are a number of community service agencies and organisations that provide assistance with financial hardship, food and material aid (including baby/children's needs), assistance with legal matters (including bills and fines), education expenses and other support services in the municipality.
There are different agencies in the City of Whittlesea who offer support.
Community Activation and Social Isolation Program (CASI) offers social, emotional and practical support. Call Hiba 9401 6697 Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm.
Whittlesea Community Connections offers information and support including Community Legal Service, Emergency Relief and Casework. Call them on 9401 6644 between 9am until 1pm Monday to Friday.
Find out more about the services available.
View the Whittlesea Community Connections Emergency Relief Calendar.
Big Group Hug provides material relief to vulnerable families including clothes, nappies.
There are a variety of supports available for people experiencing family violence.
If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 000
National Debt Helpline - Free financial counselling
Uniting Financial Counselling call 1800 685 682 to make an appointment or for more information.
Contact Whittlesea Community Connections on 9401 6644 on Monday to Friday from 9am until 1pm for assistance.
According to Council’s newly adopted Financial Hardship Policy it is defined as ‘difficulty meeting everyday living expenses’ which may include: food, accommodation, clothing, health care, transport costs, education, and other basic necessities.
Some of the main reasons that can cause financial hardship include:
View Council’s Financial Hardship Policy documents:
Whilst Council is unable to waive rates, we can offer various other avenues of support for those experiencing financial hardship. This includes deferrals, payment plans, and waivers of interest and collection costs.
Council can also provide meaningful information on other financial assistance programs that might be available and/or referrals to appropriate support services specialising in family violence, financial counselling and food and material aid.
There is no formal application form used to determine eligibility but rather residents will be assessed on a case by case basis via a meaningful two-way conversation.
Some of the indicators that may highlight a customer’s need for assistance are:
Please note, to allow Council to extend a meaningful level of support to genuine hardship applicants, Council is unable to assess applications involving investment properties or properties that are not lived in by the applicant.
If you are unable to meet your payment obligations and need some assistance please contact Council on 9217 2170 or fill out the below enquiry form and the Financial Hardship Support Officer will contact you within 10 business days to discuss further.
Submit a financial hardship enquiry form
The Victorian Government offers concessions to a variety of people to help with housing, water, energy, health, education and transport costs. Read more about concessions on the DHHS website. You can also read their concessions guide.