Government Assistance for Mortgage Holders
While there's no direct federal mortgage relief program in Australia, multiple state and territory governments offer assistance with utility costs, housing support, and financial hardship. Here's what's available.
Federal Programs
- MoneySmart (ASIC): Free, independent financial guidance including mortgage calculators and budgeting tools at moneysmart.gov.au.
- National Debt Helpline: Federally supported free financial counselling — 1800 007 007.
- Centrelink Crisis Payment: A one-off payment if you're in severe financial hardship due to extreme circumstances. Eligibility criteria apply.
- Commonwealth Rent Assistance: If you're renting out your property and renting elsewhere (uncommon but relevant for some), this may apply.
State & Territory Programs
New South Wales (NSW)
- NSW Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) vouchers
- Service NSW cost of living support
- Rent Choice and private rental assistance
Full NSW mortgage help guide →
Victoria (VIC)
- Victorian Utility Relief Grants
- Working for Victoria employment support
- Victorian Homebuyer Fund (shared equity)
Full VIC mortgage help guide →
Queensland (QLD)
- Queensland Household Resilience Program
- Electricity rebates for concession card holders
- QRIDA natural disaster assistance (regional)
Full QLD mortgage help guide →
Western Australia (WA)
- WA Hardship Utilities Grant Scheme (HUGS)
- Keystart home loans (low-deposit government lending)
- WA Energy Assistance Payment
Full WA mortgage help guide →
South Australia (SA)
- SA Energy Bill Relief
- HomeStart Finance (government-backed lender)
- SA concessions and benefits finder
Full SA mortgage help guide →
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- ACT Utilities Concession
- ACT Home Buyer Concession Scheme
- ACT Affordable Home Purchase program
Full ACT mortgage help guide →
Utility Hardship Programs
Energy and water providers are required to offer hardship programs. If your utility bills are adding to your financial stress, contact your provider directly and ask about their hardship program, or use these resources:
- Energy Made Easy: Compare energy plans at energymadeeasy.gov.au
- State concession cards: Health Care Card and Pensioner Concession Card holders qualify for energy rebates in all states
Emergency Relief
If you're in immediate financial crisis — unable to afford food or essential medications — contact:
- Salvation Army: 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) — emergency food, financial assistance
- St Vincent de Paul: 13 18 12 — emergency assistance
- Foodbank Australia: foodbank.org.au — food relief
Free financial counselling to navigate all available support:
1800 007 007
National Debt Helpline · Mon–Fri 9:30am–4:30pm