Feeling pinch because of COVID?

People experiencing financial hardship may be entitled to support with budgeting, accessing additional payments, and other assistance from a variety of services in Knox.

Free financial counselling

Financial counsellors can go over your finances to find ways to reduce the pressure. They may even negotiate on your behalf with creditors, help you access grants or concessions, and access dispute resolution services. Call EACH on 1300 003 224 or the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 to speak with a financial counsellor.

Interest-free loans

Household relief loans without interest are offered by Good Shepherd Microfinance, in partnership with the National Australia Bank. Loans of up to $3,000 (no interest, charges or fees), are available to help with debts due to rent, rates, body corporate fees and utility bills. You may be eligible if your income has been impacted by COVID-19, and you fall under an income threshold.

These loans are in addition to the existing no-interest loans of $1,500 for those on low incomes who urgently need help to meet medical expenses, replace broken white goods, or repair a car. Contact Knox Infolink on 9761 1325 or EACH on 1300 003 224.

COVID payments

Through the Australian Government’s Services Australia (Centrelink), you may be able to receive the COVID-19 Disaster Payment if you can’t work due to current COVID restrictions.

Or, you may be able to receive the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment if you can’t work, and either:

  • a state health official has told you to isolate because you are a close contact of a confirmed case
  • you have COVID-19, or
  • you are caring for someone with COVID-19.

Use the Services Australia (Centrelink) Payment and Service Finder to see what help you can get.

The Victorian Government is also providing payments for people who are isolating while they await a test result.

/Public Release. View in full here.