Programs

[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.

Relationships Australia provides a range of free financial counselling services and support to anyone affected by problem gambling.

Gambling becomes a problem if someone spends more time or money than they can afford to, or if it is having a negative impact on their relationships.

Please contact the office nearest you using the links below to speak to a counsellor or make an appointment.

Essentials by AAI, supported by Good Shephard Microfinance and Suncorp Group, provide affordable car and contents insurance options for low income earners who may not be able to afford mainstream insurance policies.

To be eligible:

- Have a Healthcare card

- Receive a Centerlink payment, or

- Have an annual household income of approximately $48,000 or less (excluding superannuation)

For more information call Essentials by AAI on 1800 429 598 or email contactus@essentialsbyaai.com.au

If you hold a Concession Card you may be eligible for an Australia Post Concession Account. This will entitle you to up to 50 stamps per year at a reduced price of 60c each

You can download an application form from the link provided or visit your local Australia Post for further information.

People who have recently experienced the death of a friend or family member and who cannot raise the funds for a funeral, after all options have been tried, may be eligible to receive a dignified funeral through Funeral AssistanceSA.

To be eligible, you must prove all of the following:

- The deceased was a South Australian resident.

- The deceased was in receipt of a pension or benefit or was a low income recipient.

- The deceased's estate and death benefits are estimated to be valued at less than $3,000 when liquidated (including property and shares).

- The deceased's immediate relatives are not in paid employment or are low income recipients.

- The deceased's immediate relatives have insufficient assets to cover the costs of funeral expenses (less than $3,000 of accessible funds).

The funeral must not yet have been arranged or, where a grant is sought after the event, the account must be moderate and not yet fully paid.

The funeral provided is normally a cremation service, except in certain cultural circumstances. If the requirements are for a burial, families may elect to pay the difference between a cremation and a burial.

The income, assets and liabilities of the deceased and their immediate relatives are taken into account when assessing eligibility for assistance through this program.

For further information call 1300 762 577 or visit the website

Looking for an affordable loan, insurance, savings plan or needing help to create a new business startup? Good Money can help you.

The store front in Salisbury may look like a normal money lender but is part of the Good Shepherd Microfinance network offering safe, affordable and responsible financial services for people on low incomes. They can also provide referrals to other services such as free financial counselling and legal aid.

You can speak to someone and apply in store to obtain a range of products and services that can help such as:

[NILS](https://affordablesa.com.au/programs/money-and-finances/no-interest-loans-scheme-nils) - No Interest Loans up to $1500 for essential goods and services such as white goods, furniture and educational expenses.

[StepUP Loans](https://affordablesa.com.au/programs/money-and-finances/stepup-loan) - Low interest loans of between $800 - $3000 with no fees and affordable repayments offered in partnership with NAB.

Loans cannot be made for cash, bills, debts, fines, rent or bond. Please see a Financial Counsellor for help

[Affordable Insurance](https://affordablesa.com.au/programs/money-and-finances/good-insurance-for-low-income-earners) - Simple car and contents insurance with flexible payment options

[Launch ME](https://goodshepherdmicrofinance.org.au/services/launchme/) - Supports individuals to develop and establish their own providing help in key areas such as Coaching, Mentoring, Business planning, Building skills, Building Networks and Finance

"Good Money provides safe, fair and affordable finance to add value to your life without compromising your ability to live."

The banking industry believes that banking should be affordable for all Australians. Most banks now offer basic bank accounts to suit disadvantaged and low income Australians.

The Australian Banking Association has identified the following features of basic bank accounts:

- No account keeping fees

- Free account statements

- No minimum deposit amounts

- Ability to set up and cancel direct debits

- No overdrawn fees

- Ability to access a debit card at no extra cost

- Free and unlimited transactions

Follow the link below to find out about eligibility and other related information

IBA serves, partners, and invests with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who want to own their future.

IBA invests and supports in individuals, families, and communities in the areas of business, assets and investment, and home ownership.

Follow the link below for more information.

Zahra assists South Australian women and children affected by domestic and family violence, by empowering them and providing pathways towards economic independence.

Zahra Foundation offers financial counselling and workshops, aimed at providing post crisis opportunities to further support financial empowerment. Zahra provide some small grants to assist education and break the cycle of domestic violence.

Information about events and opportunities are available via their Facebook page.