Discover essential financial assistance in Western Australia to help you through challenging times and ease your worries.
That’s why our friends at Revivie Financial have put together this comprehensive guide to free financial assistance in Western Australia available in 2025. Whether you’re struggling with mounting bills, unexpected expenses, or housing challenges, the financial assistance in Western Australia you need is right here. Read on to discover a range of state-based programs—from counselling and essential goods assistance to rental support and budgeting tools—to help you regain control of your financial future with the available financial assistance in Western Australia.
For those seeking financial assistance in Western Australia, it’s crucial to understand the various options available to you. Financial assistance in Western Australia can take many forms, including government support, loans, and community aid.
Free Financial Counselling
Accessing financial assistance in Western Australia is an important step for those in need, ensuring that help is available during tough times.
For Western Australians facing financial stress, free financial counselling services provide expert guidance and support. These services, offered by community organisations and government-funded programs, help individuals navigate debt, create budgets, and access available financial assistance.
Financial counsellors are trained professionals who can assess your situation, suggest solutions, and advocate on your behalf. They also provide information on hardship programs and legal rights regarding debt. Free services are available across WA, and you can find a financial counsellor near you through this MoneySmart page.
Interest Free Loans
Help is available through financial assistance in Western Australia, which is designed to support those who need it most.
For Essential Goods
For those struggling to afford necessary items, the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) provides interest-free loans to help cover the cost of essential household goods, medical and dental services, and education expenses. Eligible individuals can access up to $2,000 with no fees, no interest, and flexible repayment terms.
For Vehicles
Help is available through financial assistance in Western Australia, which is designed to support those who need it most.
In addition to household expenses, NILS also offers no interest loans for vehicles, which provides loans between $2,000 and $5,000 for the purchase of an essential vehicle, including cars, mobility scooters, and motorcycles. This program is designed to help low-income earners access reliable transport without falling into debt.
To check eligibility and apply for both essential goods and vehicle loans, visit WA NILS.
Rental and Mortgage Assistance
Renters and homeowners struggling with housing costs can access various forms of financial assistance in Western Australia.
Rental Bond Assistance
Moving into a new rental can be expensive, especially with upfront bond costs. The WA Rental Bond Assistance Scheme provides an interest-free loan up to $1,700 and two weeks rent in advance, to cover rental bonds for eligible tenants.
To qualify, you must:
- Be a WA resident on a low income or receiving Centrelink benefits
- Be moving into a private rental property
- Demonstrate financial hardship but have the ability to meet ongoing rent payments
To apply, you must:
- Visit this WA Government website
- Download and complete the Housing Options Assessment form and submit it via email, fax or post to nearest Housing office
- If assessed as eligible, you can then lodge a formal bond application
Rent Assistance in Western Australia
For renters facing financial hardship, WA provides emergency rental assistance to help cover unpaid rent and prevent eviction. This assistance is usually one-off financial aid for tenants who are struggling financially.
The rent relief payment can cover up to $5,000 per household to cover rent arrears, and in some cases, up to 50% of three months’ future rent.
To qualify, you must:
Be a WA resident
- Be behind in rent and at risk of eviction
- Be in rental stress
To apply, you must:
Be proactive in seeking financial assistance in Western Australia to ensure you receive timely help in overcoming your challenges.
Call the Emergency Relief Food Access Service on 1800 979 777 (available 9:30am – 4:30pm on business days)
- Select Option 3 to speak to the Rent Relief Triage Team, from here they will talk you through the rest of the process.
Energy Bill Assistance
Struggling with rising energy costs? Western Australia offers several programs to help eligible households manage electricity, gas, and water bills.
Energy Concession Extension Scheme (ECES)
The ECES provides an annual subsidy to eligible concession card holders who do not receive electricity from Synergy, Horizon Power, BHP, or Rio Tinto. It includes:
- Energy Assistance Payment (EAP) – A subsidy to help cover electricity costs.
And in some cases:
Dependent Child Rebate – Financial support based on the number of dependent children in the household.
- Air Conditioning Rebate – A subsidy for eligible households in specified regional towns to help with cooling costs.
To qualify, you must:
Reside in a home where electricity costs are charged separately from rent
- Hold one of the following concession cards:
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Health Care Card
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card
- Have electricity costs based on actual usage (fixed-rate agreements do not qualify).
To apply, you must:
- Complete this online application form. If you can’t apply online, contact 08 9262 1486.
Household Electricity Credit
Households registered for ECES on or before 17 June 2024 will automatically receive a $700 electricity credit. If eligible but not yet registered, you can apply before 31 March 2025 with proof of an electricity bill covering 17 June 2024.
Hardship Utility Grant Scheme (HUGS)
The Hardship Utility Grant Scheme (HUGS) provides financial assistance to eligible households struggling to pay their electricity, water, or gas bills due to hardship.
To apply or learn more, visit this WA Government page.
Food Assistance
Accessing financial assistance in Western Australia not only provides immediate relief but also helps individuals build a sustainable financial future.
Western Australians struggling to afford groceries can access support through Foodbank WA and other community organizations. These services provide affordable food options, ensuring individuals and families in need can access essential groceries.
Foodbank WA
Foodbank WA operates branches across the state and a Mobile Foodbank that visits suburbs in Perth and regional areas. To shop at Foodbank WA, you’ll need a referral from a charity partner.
From food banks to housing support, financial assistance in Western Australia encompasses a wide range of services tailored to different needs.
To get a referral:
Call the Emergency Relief Food Access Service on 1800 979 777 (available 9:30am – 4:30pm on business days).
- The call takes around 20 minutes and includes a few basic questions.
- Bring your referral letter and a valid photo ID when visiting a Foodbank WA branch or Mobile Foodbank.
Foodbank WA locations include:
Perth Airport, Peel, Bunbury, Albany, Kalgoorlie, and Geraldton.
- The Mobile Foodbank also serves surrounding suburbs and towns.
Those seeking food aid can find financial assistance in Western Australia that covers essential grocery needs.
For more details, visit Foodbank WA.
Finding Local Food Charities
If you need food assistance outside of Foodbank WA, you can find a local charity using:
- The Find Food tool on the Foodbank WA website
- WAConnect – Visit the page and search for “Food” in your suburb.
Budgeting Assistance
Financial assistance in Western Australia can help bridge the gap for those facing unexpected expenses or difficult financial circumstances.
Taking control of your finances starts with understanding where your money goes. Budgeting tools can help you track income and expenses, identify savings opportunities, and plan for future financial goals.
To get started, use our budgeting calculator, designed to give you a clear breakdown of your finances. It allows you to track your spending, set savings goals, and adjust your budget as needed.
In addition to budgeting tools, reducing essential costs can make managing your finances easier. If transport expenses are a concern, Transperth Transport Concessions provide free or discounted fares for pensioners, seniors, and people with disabilities, helping to cut down on commuting costs.
Emergency Assistance
Community initiatives play a crucial role in offering financial assistance in Western Australia, helping to lift individuals and families out of financial distress.
For Western Australians facing unexpected financial hardship, emergency relief services can connect you with food assistance, bill support, and essential financial aid. For referrals and support, visit:
In urgent situations, the Centrelink Crisis Payment offers one-off financial assistance to those experiencing extreme hardship, such as fleeing domestic violence, recovering from a natural disaster, or facing an unexpected crisis. Additionally, the Special Benefit payment is available to individuals in financial distress who do not qualify for other Centrelink income support payments.
For eligibility and application details, visit Services Australia.
In some cases, you may also be able to access your superannuation early to cover urgent expenses like medical treatments or mortgage arrears. Read this article to learn more.
Debt Assistance
For Western Australians facing financial challenges, our partners Revive Financial offers a range of debt relief solutions tailored to individual circumstances. While free financial assistance is available in Western Australia, it is often limited and only applies in certain situations. If your debt problems fall outside of what free services can offer, Revive Financial can help.
Available debt solutions include:
Part IX (9) Debt Agreement – A legally binding arrangement that consolidates unsecured debts into one structured repayment plan, usually over three years. This option can reduce what you owe and provides protection from creditor action while avoiding bankruptcy.
Informal Agreement – A negotiated agreement with creditors to reduce payments, freeze interest, or extend repayment terms. Unlike a Debt Agreement, this is not a formal insolvency solution but still provides relief for those in financial distress.
Temporary Hardship Plan – If you’re experiencing short-term financial difficulties, Revive Financial can negotiate a temporary repayment arrangement with creditors, allowing you to pause or reduce payments while you get back on your feet.
Personal Insolvency Agreement (PIA) – A legally binding alternative to bankruptcy, allowing individuals to negotiate a structured repayment plan with creditors. PIAs are typically used by those with higher debts or significant assets who do not qualify for a Debt Agreement.
Bankruptcy – A last resort for those with overwhelming debt and no ability to repay. Bankruptcy eliminates most unsecured debts but comes with significant financial and legal consequences, including restrictions on travel and certain employment limitations.
If your financial difficulties go beyond what free assistance can offer, Revive Financial has a number of positive solutions available for people with bad debt. Call 1800 534 534 today for expert advice and support, or get in touch with our team of Customer Success Specialists to explore your options.
Tax Refund Due?
A tax refund can also help clear your debt of course. Accountants Direct is Australia’s favourite national tax agent. Book here to do your tax or call us on 1300 TAX SHOP (1300 829 746)
