13. EMERGENCY RELIEF AND MATERIAL AID

Table of Contents

what types of emergency relief are available?
when can you get emergency relief?
who can get emergency relief?
tips for getting emergency aid
other forms of emergency relief
Victorian emergency relief providers

what types of emergency relief are available?

Emergency relief is provided in times of financial crisis - for example, when you don't have enough money to buy food or clothing, or you can't pay a bill. Examples of emergency relief are:

Food voucher - a 'gift voucher' for a local supermarket, often with restrictions such as no alcohol or cigarettes. One of the most common forms of emergency relief.
Food - food parcel or food items.
Goods - such as clothes, bedding, household items, furniture and whitegoods (also called 'material aid').
Bill payment - bills (gas, electricity, phone, etc.) paid on your behalf, usually with a cheque made out directly to the billing company, or with vouchers.
Cash - either direct or as a cheque that can be cashed at a nearby bank; these days, not many agencies provide cash.
Transport assistance - Tram/train/bus tickets and/or petrol vouchers.
Pharmacy assistance - Vouchers to help pay for prescription medications or toiletries - not including methadone, sedatives such as Valium, or other drugs of addiction.
Information - help to negotiate debts, referral for other services, etc.