Programs

COVID-19 Update: All appointments are phone based appointments.

ALRM the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement provides financial counselling services to Aboriginal People. Our Financial Counsellors work with, and for, Aboriginal people facing financial hardship. Aboriginal Financial Counselling Service (AFCS) has a team of highly qualified financial counsellors, who are more than willing to assist you with your financial needs.

AFCS offers counselling, sources financial assistance, and acts as Advocate. It also provides information on a range of financial areas such as budgeting, housing, Centrelink issues, superannuation in addition to giving financial advice.

You can also receive training on matters relevant to manage their finances. AFCS will enable you to make good financial decisions by providing you with relevant information and access to resources.

AFCS IS A FREE & CONFIDENTIAL SERVICE

AFCS offer the following services:

- Advocate and act for you in financial matters,

- Agency/Service Provider Referrals,

- Dental & Ambulance Waivers (Indigenous),

- Arrange payment plans including Centrelink deductions,

- Budgeting to Manage your Income,

- Centrelink Entitlements, Benefits and Concession Rights,

- Credit and Consumer Rights,

- Difficulties caused by financial problems, e.g. lack of food,

- Discussing debt and credit difficulties and options,

- Funding applications (e.g. Wyatt and No Interest Loan Scheme),

- Housing Trust Support Letter,

- Low Income Support Presentation, and

- Superannuation queries.

AFCS in Port Augusta provides financial counselling services to Aboriginal People around the Port Augusta, Davenport Community, Port Pirie, Whyalla and in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Land regions

[Many services are responding to the COVID-19 Crisis by changing how they operate and facilitate services for those in need. See more...](https://affordablesa.com.au/programs/money-and-finances/covid-19-changes-to-financial-help-services)

What Is NILS?

The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) provides safe, fair and affordable loans to people on low incomes.

Loan amounts are between $300 – $1,500 and attract no interest, fees or charges. Repayments are set up at an affordable amount over 12 – 18 months.

WHAT ARE THE LOANS FOR?

Loans are for essential goods and services only and cannot be used for cash, bond, rent arrears, debt consolidation, holidays or bills.

These may include

- Household items like fridges, washing machines, stoves, dryers, freezers and furniture

- Some medical and dental services

- Education essentials such as computers and text books

- Car and Household Repairs

- Some other item as requested

DO I QUALIFY FOR NILS?

To qualify you must:

- Be on a low income / hold a concession card

- Reside in your current premises for more than 3 months

- Show a willingness and capacity to repay loan

For more information about how to apply for a loan, contact NILS 13 64 57 or the Affordable SA Helpline 1800 025 539.

The Consumer Credit Law Centre is a free legal service specifically for people with consumer credit issues and disputes.

The service provides specialist legal advice regarding repossession, mortgage foreclosure, debtors court, and other issues within the areas of credit, banking, and personal finance.

Appointments can be made by calling (08) 8342 1800; Country Callers please call 1300 886 220.

The Consumer Credit Law Centre is a service of Uniting Communities and is located in Uniting Communities offices in Adelaide, Smithfield and Christies Beach (Open Monday – Friday, 9am- 5pm)

[Many services are responding to the COVID-19 Crisis by changing how they operate and facilitate services for those in need. See more...](https://affordablesa.com.au/programs/money-and-finances/covid-19-changes-to-financial-help-services)

StepUP provides low interest loans to people on low incomes through community providers across many parts of Australia.

StepUp offers loans of between $800 and $3000 for personal or household purposes such as:

- Household items including fridges, washing machines and furniture.

- Cars

- Computers

- Medical and Dental expenses

- House repairs

- Car repairs

Interest is charged at a fixed low rate, and loans can be repaid over three years. No fees apply.

If your having problems with debt, your starting point should be the National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007.

In a nutshell, financial counselling helps you manage your debts and get your finances back under control.

Get advice about

- Your financial situation, to help you fully understand your position.

- How to prioritise your debts

- The pros and cons of the options that might work for you in addressing your debts (for example, repayment of loans, negotiating with creditors, bankruptcy and so on. There are always options.

- Your rights and responsibilities around credit and debt

- How to access other services you may need, such as legal services, crisis food and accommodation services, and health services.

Financial counselling is free, confidential and independent. The National Deb Helpline is a not-for-profit, community based service that's available to people in Australia experiencing financial difficulty.

Speckle is an Australian small lender created by Good Shephard Microfinance and National Australia Bank (NAB) to assist everyday Australians obtain small loans for life's everyday expenses (without the hidden costs).Speckle offers small loans from $200 to $2000 with repayment options ranging from 3 months to 1 year. The repayment options are flexible so you can pay early and as often as you like with no extra fees.

Am I eligible? As a minimum you:

- Must be an Australian citizen or a Permanent Resident residing in Australia

- Must be at least 18 years of age

- Must earn a minimum gross income of $30,000 annually (not inclusive of Centerlink payments)

- Should not receive more than 50% of your total income from Centerlink

- Must have an Australian mobile number and valid email address

For further information call 13 43 23 or visit the website

If you are experiencing financial hardship a loan might not be the answer. Call the Affordable SA Helpline on 1800 025 539 or the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 to speak to a Financial Counsellor to review your options. Financial Counsellors are free, independent and confidential.

'You're the Boss' is Moneycare's own unique financial literacy program, written in easy English.

The program delivers key messages in an engaging style designed to empower participants.

We work on the belief that everyone can manage their own financial affairs, once they are given the information, tools and opportunity.

The program is divided into individual sections such as: Everyday Banking - Paying Bills on Time - Finding the Right Insurance - Looking out for Scams - Sorting Paperwork, and other useful topics.

See the website linked below for more information.

Stay in touch with the Events section of the Affordable SA app for more information about workshops in your area.

Making Sense of Cents is a free budget support program offered by Uniting Communities for people wanting help with:

- understanding their money

- creating a budget that works

- understanding their bills

- tips and strategies to help save

- assistance to apply for grants and concessions

For more information contact Uniting Communities on 8202 5818 or email budgetprogram@unitingcommunities.org.

The Cost of Living Concession helps those on low or fixed incomes with their cost of living expenses, whether that be electricity, water, gas or medical bills.

Eligibility is based on your living arrangements on 1 July. You can apply any time but applications must be submitted by 31 October to receive the concession for that financial year.

For more information on your eligibility please refer to concession finder link and contact ConcessionsSA Hotline 1800 307 758.

If you have previously received a Cost of Living Concession payment and your living and income arrangements have not changed, you do not need to reapply.