Almost $5 million has been provided to community groups to deliver extra emergency relief in response to the cost-of-living crisis.
The Federal funding will flow to Emergency and Food Relief providers which support people experiencing financial hardship with their immediate needs, such as food, transport, pharmaceuticals and clothing.
Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said the additional $4.9 million would resource providers to meet increased demand for support services, including Australians located in regional and remote areas.
Minister Rishworth said the funding would be distributed between 192 Commonwealth-funded Emergency Relief providers and the three Commonwealth-funded Food Relief providers.
She said people experiencing financial hardship could access free financial counselling services through the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or at ndh.org.au, where they could also chat online with a financial counsellor.
“The National Debt Helpline can also assist with referrals to support services,” she said.
Support such as housing, meals, healthcare, counselling and legal advice can also be found anonymously through Ask Izzy.
