Support, financial hardship and emergency relief services

The Financial Hardship Policy defines financial hardship as ‘difficulty meeting everyday living expenses’ which may include: food, accommodation, health care, transport , education, utilities, insurance and other basic necessities.

Some of the main reasons that can cause financial hardship include:

• Health issues and associated expenses
• Loss of employment
• Covid-19 and associated side effects
• Unforeseen circumstances
• Severe mortgage stress and/or financial overcommitment

View Council’s Financial Hardship Policy documents:

• Financial hardship policy (PDF - 204KB)
• Financial hardship policy - Accessible (DOCX - 68KB)

How can Council help?

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.

Eligibility

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:

• History of frequent requests for payment extensions or payment arrangements that have not been met
• Unable to afford the costs of current financial obligations, even if smoothed over a 12-month period
• Payment history that indicates past difficulty of meeting their financial obligations to Council
• Eligibility for Government funded concessions (e.g. Health Care Card, Centrelink benefit)
• Sudden change of circumstances that adversely affects their financial capacity to pay
• Referral from a financial counselling agency or community organisation
• Asylum seekers or refugees who have limited access to financial stability
• People experiencing health and mental health issues
• Having identified as a victim of family violence
• Having a low level of income, that is unlikely to change
• Currently unemployed

Please note, to allow Council to extend a meaningful level of support to genuine hardship applicants, Council may be unable to assess applications involving investment properties or properties that are not lived in by the applicant.

How can I apply?

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

Other agencies

Victorian Government concessions

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.

View the Whittlesea Community Connections Emergency Relief Guide.

Babies and Children

Big Group Hug provides material relief to vulnerable families including clothes, nappies.

Family Violence Support Services

There are a variety of supports available for people experiencing family violence.

If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 000 

Financial Support

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.

Holiday operating dates

Big Group Hug: Close 20 December and reopen 8 January.

Encompass Care: Close 19 December and reopen 30 January.

Food Share: Close 20 December and reopen 15 January.

Foodbank Victoria: Taking requests until 16 December. All deliveries to be completed by 20 December. Close 20 December and reopen10 January.

Sikh Community Connections: Close 25 December and reopen 7 January.

Saint Vincent De Paul: Call centre closed between Christmas and New Year. Shops will remain open to provide emergency services if needed.

The Shak: Christmas lunch 16 December. Close 16 December and reopen 3 February.

Turbans 4 Australia: Open every Sunday 11am – 1pm. Will be closing for a short time over the Christmas/new year period dates yet to be determined.

Vittle Feast: Hamper program from 12 – 17 December. Close 17 December and reopen early January.

There are different agencies in the City of Whittlesea which offer support:

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.

You can view other local agencies at Community service agencies - Community Directory - City of Whittlesea