Programs

The [Australian Refugee Association](https://www.australianrefugee.org/) (ARA) supports newly arrived communities and individuals, empowering clients to participate actively in all aspects of life in Australia.

ARA offers financial counselling in partnership with UnitingCare Wesley Bowden. This service provides budgeting, information and advocacy for people experiencing financial difficulties.

ARA also provide small one-off payments for eligible clients to provide assistance with utility bills. They also provide information, advocacy and referrals in relation to budgeting and financial matters.

For more information, contact an office near you.

Money is something we all have to manage and we all have to look after own own costs for housing, food, medicine and transport. These are expenses we juggle everyday and we should make good decisions about them.

[You're the Boss](https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/financial-assistance/youre-the-boss/) is all about giving you the skills you need to budget. In this course you will hear some great money tips, get help to sort out your bills and take control of your money.

You're the Boss is offered by The Salvation Army and you can make an enquiry using the online form [here](https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/financial-assistance/youre-the-boss/).

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 1800 615 677 (press option 3) or email budgetprogram@unitingcommunities.org.

The [Gambling Helpline](https://problemgambling.sa.gov.au/) provides round the clock counselling, support and information to anyone affected by gambling, including family and friends. It can help you manage with crises, relapses, and other personal issues. Interpreters and face to face referrals can be organised when required. The service is free, confidential and non-judgmental.

[Gambling Help Online](https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/) gives people access to counselling and information when they are unable or reluctant to access face to face services. They provide:

- Free 24/7 chat and email counselling; and support services;

- Professional counsellors with expertise in problem gambling;

- A stepping stone for further help, including telephone and face-to-face support; and

- Extensive website content, self-help information and weblinks for additional support.

Please call 1800 858 858 or go to [Gambling Help Online](https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/) for support.

[Essentials by AAI](https://www.essentialsbyaai.com.au/), 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, or

- Receive a Centrelink payment, or

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

For more information look at their [website](https://www.essentialsbyaai.com.au/), call Essentials by AAI on 1800 429 598 or email contactus@essentialsbyaai.com.au.

People who have recently experienced the death of a friend or family member and who have tried all options to raise funds or obtain credit may be eligible for help through [Funeral AssistanceSA](https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/care-and-support/concessions-and-grants/concessions/funeral-assistance-program).

Please visit the [website](https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/care-and-support/concessions-and-grants/concessions/funeral-assistance-program) for infomation on eligibility, what is covered and what you will need.

You can apply online, by email or fax. The application form can be obtained from the [website](https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/care-and-support/concessions-and-grants/concessions/funeral-assistance-program).

Call 1300 762 577 for further information or visit the [website](https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/care-and-support/concessions-and-grants/concessions/funeral-assistance-program).

Looking for an affordable loan, insurance, savings plan or needing help to create a new business startup? [Good Money](https://goodmoney.com.au/) 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 - No Interest Loans up to $1500 for essential goods and services such as white goods, furniture and educational expenses.

StepUp Loans - 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 - Simple car and contents insurance with flexible payment options

Launch ME - 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.

You can apply for a NILS or StepUP Loan on their [website](https://goodmoney.com.au/)by clicking "Apply Now"

Banks offer basic bank accounts with no account keeping fees and free monthly statements.

A basic bank account provides eligible customers with an account to receive payments and access free banking transactions. The features of a basic bank account are:

- 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 .

For more information go to the [website](https://www.ausbanking.org.au/for-customers/reducing-fees/).

[Indigenous Business Australia](https://www.iba.gov.au/home/) (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.

Go to the [website](https://www.iba.gov.au/home/) for more information.