Several organisations in South Australia operate to assist refugees and migrants and can extend to International students and temporary visa holders, providing help in learning new financial systems and assisting with basic needs and support such as food through an Emergency Relief service.
These organisations have access to Financial Counselling and caseworkers to help individuals negotiate with utility companies, government departments. It is expected that these organisation will also refer to other community services as appropriate.
The Australian Refugee Association and the Australian Migrant Resource Centres are located in Adelaide and across many parts of South Australia.
International students can approach financial counselling services within the SA Universities provided by student services to access help.
Please refer to each location for more information about services offered.
MoneySmart is an Australian Government financial guidance service that gives free tools, tips and information to help people make smarter money decisions.
MoneySmart provides clear, unbiased financial guidance, calculators and resources on topics like budgeting, saving, borrowing, investing and retirement so Australians can feel more confident managing their money at every stage of life.
Services Provided:
- Free online calculators and tools (e.g., budget planner, mortgage, tax and super calculators) to help with financial decisions.
- Practical tips and explainers on managing money, debt, savings, spending, credit and financial products.
- Guides on major financial topics like investing, insurance, loans and retirement planning.
- Resources and lesson plans for teachers to improve financial literacy in schools.
- Information on how to avoid scams and protect yourself financially.
The MoneySmart Budget Planner is a free online tool that helps you work out where your money is going and build a budget that reflects your income and expenses, so you can feel more in control of your finances.
It also helps you set financial goals and track your progress over time, and plan for unexpected expenses or changes in your financial situation.
Supports Include:
- Work out where your money is going and if your income covers your expenses
- Add your own custom income and expense items to reflect your situation
- Set different payment frequencies for expenses (weekly, fortnightly, monthly, etc.)
- Save your budget and come back to it later with autosave or spreadsheet options
- Print or share your budget results to help plan and track spending
The National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service that helps people tackle their debt problems. We’re not a lender and we don’t ‘sell’ anything or make money from you.
Our professional financial counsellors offer a free, independent and confidential service.
We’re simply here to help you get back on track
Financial counselling provides valuable guidance in managing your debts and regaining control of your finances. Issues a Financial Counsellor can assist with include:
- Financial rights and responsibilities
- Money planning
- Applications for hardship
- Debts and debt recovery processes
- Concessions and related entitlements
- Referrals to complimentary services
- Insolvency and bankruptcy options
The National Debt Helpline website has resources available to support you in understanding your situation and steps you can take to resolve.
If you contact the helpline, you will speak with an Intake Service Operator who will be able to provide you with information and referrals to complimentary services such as emergency relief, legal services, government agencies and many others. If you require the services of a Financial Counsellor they will seek to book you an appointment or refer you to a service within your area.
The National Debt Helpline phone lines are open Monday to Friday between the hours of 9.30 am - 4.30pm (closed public holidays).
You can also engage in Live Chat with a Financial Counsellor via the National Debt Helpline webpage. Chat is available between the hours of 9.00am and 8.00pm
If you wish to contact a financial counsellor in your area, please use the "Find a Financial Counsellor" link on the left hand side
The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) provides safe, fair and affordable loans to people on low incomes with no interest, fees or charges.
Can’t afford to replace your broken fridge? Is your car in need of repairs to get you to work? Many people have moments like these.
Money stress can make us consider solutions that might not be ideal. Renting appliances or getting a quick cash loan may seem like easy options but they’re very costly, with hidden interest rates and extra fees.
A No Interest Loan Scheme is a safer way to pay for household items or car-related expenses. Loans are up to $2000, repaid over 12–24 months.
DO I QUALIFY FOR NILS?
We have financial and residential criteria. They are:
- You need to hold a Centrelink Health Care or Pensioner Concession card, or
- Your after-tax income needs to be $57,000 or under for singles, and $75,000 or under for couples or families with dependents
- You need to be able and willing to repay the loan
- You need to have lived at your current or previous address for three months so that we can see a payment history
- We can waive residential requirements in some circumstances – for example if you are experiencing domestic violence or transitioning from homelessness or incarceration.
HOW DO I APPLY?
After a brief conversation to see if NILS is suitable for you, you will be provided with a NILS Application Kit, which includes the document requirements and details of how to apply
To enquire about starting a loan application you can contact us on (02) 6241 0518, email nils@salvationarmy.org.au or the Affordable SA Helpline on 1800 025 539.
Some companies charge customers a fee each time they send out a paper bill. If you can't receive bills electronically, fee exemptions may be available if you:
- are a senior
- are registered for a concession
- receive income support
- don't have internet access
What to do
Ask each company that sends you a bill and about their exemption criteria and how to apply.
If you have checked with a provider that you are eligible for an exemption, but are having trouble getting your exemption processed, please contact the Consumer Business Services on 13 18 82 from 9 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.
PEACE Multicultural Gambling Help Services work with people, families and communities whose lives are being affected negatively by gambling or excessive gaming.
A free, culturally sensitive support service for people, families and communities. This service provides information, guidance and practical support to help you understand gambling harm and work towards positive change.
Services Include:
- Understanding gambling and its impacts
- Strategies to reduce or stop gambling
- Learning about the impacts of gambling on individuals, families and communities
- Support for families and relationships
- Identifying triggers and strategies to reduce or stop gambling or gaming
- Help with managing gambling-related debts
- Building confidence and reducing shame linked to gambling problems
- Referrals to other support services
Rural Business Support is a not-for-profit organisation that provides free financial counselling and support to farmers, rural businesses and communities experiencing financial hardship.
Rural Business Support supports farmers, small rural businesses and landowners by providing practical financial counselling and business guidance. Their services help people manage financial stress, improve business sustainability and access support during challenges such as drought, natural disasters or economic hardship.
Services Provided:
- Free and confidential financial counselling for farmers and rural businesses
- Small business financial counselling and support
- Guidance on managing farm or rural business finances
- Support for landowners dealing with mining, exploration or land access issues
- Assistance accessing grants, relief funding and government support programs
- Referrals to other relevant rural and financial support services
Scamwatch is a government service that helps Australians identify, avoid and report scams.
Scamwatch is run by the National Anti-Scam Centre to provide up-to-date information about scams and how to stay safe. The service collects scam reports from the public, shares warnings about new scams and provides advice on what to do if you have been targeted or affected by a scam.
Services Provided:
- Information about common scams and how to avoid them
- Scam alerts and updates about new or emerging scams
- Online reporting of scams to help track scam activity
- Advice on what to do if you have been scammed
- Resources to help individuals and communities stay safe from scams