How to Claim for Financial Hardship Assistance in Australia | Revive

If you're struggling to keep up with bills or loan repayments, knowing how to claim financial hardship assistance in Australia can be the first step towards taking back control of your finances. When money gets tight, it's more than just numbers on a page - it's the rent notice in your letterbox, the fridge that's looking emptier by the day, and the loan repayment you're not sure you can make. Financial hardship can be overwhelming, but it's important to know you're not alone - and that help is out there.

What many Australians don't realise is that you may be eligible to claim financial hardship assistance. This support can take different forms, and it doesn't always mean taking on new debt. In some cases, it can mean pausing payments altogether or receiving a tailored plan that works for your situation.

What Is Financial Hardship Assistance?

In practice, financial hardship assistance is formal, short-term support designed to give you breathing space. It might come from your lender, your electricity or water provider, or even your insurer. Depending on your circumstances, it could mean:

• Reduced payments
• A complete pause on payments for a set period
• Other tailored support to help you stabilise your finances

If you've lost your job, fallen ill, or been hit with an unexpected expense, you can apply for financial hardship assistance. It's a structured process, not just an informal request, and providers are required to assess your situation and offer reasonable solutions.

Are There Financial Hardship Grants in Australia?

Yes, but they're usually tied to specific situations or run at the state level. These grants are designed to provide quick, targeted relief, and while they're not a long-term fix, they can be a lifeline when you need urgent help.

Some examples include:

• Energy rebates to reduce electricity or gas bills
• Emergency relief funds to cover essentials like food or transport
• No-interest loan schemes for necessary purchases or repairs

These grants are often limited in funding and scope, so it's worth checking what's available in your state or territory and applying as soon as possible if you're eligible.

What You'll Need to Prepare Before Making a Hardship Claim

Before applying for financial hardship assistance, gather key documents so your provider can assess your situation quickly and offer the right support.

You may need:

• Proof of income - recent payslips, Centrelink statements, or a letter from your employer
• Bank statements - from the past 30–90 days
• Outstanding bills or loan statements - credit cards, loans, rent notices, or utilities
• Explanation of hardship - brief written or verbal summary of what caused your situation
• Supporting documents - such as medical certificates if health issues are involved
• List of expenses and a basic budget - to show what you can realistically afford

Having this ready can speed up your application and improve your chances of receiving tailored support.

Explore Your Broader Support Options

Financial hardship grants are just one piece of the puzzle. If you're struggling, there are other structured forms of support that can help you take control and start moving forward.

Debt Management Solutions

Debt Management Solutions aim to make repayments more manageable without taking out a new loan. This can involve negotiating with creditors to:

• Reduce or pause interest and fees
• Combine multiple debts into one manageable repayment schedule (note: this is not refinancing)
• Establish a realistic payment plan that fits your budget

These arrangements require creditor agreement and may affect your credit rating.

Temporary Hardship Plan (THP)

If you need short-term relief, a Temporary Hardship Plan can provide around three months of breathing space. It can:

• Reduce creditor contact while the plan is in place
• Allow for one simplified repayment covering multiple debts under negotiated terms
• Give you guidance to help get back on track

THPs work best for those expecting their situation to improve soon.

Government Resources & Counselling

You don't have to face financial hardship alone. Free resources are available to guide you through your options, including:

• National Debt Helpline - offering confidential, independent financial counselling
• Centrelink crisis payments for eligible Australians facing extreme situations
• State-specific grants and schemes for utilities, housing, or emergency expenses

Even if you're not sure you qualify, reaching out to these services can help you understand your rights and the support available to you.