Embracing support with WA’s cost-saving initiatives
Ongoing financial challenges are hitting hard for many in the current economic climate, and our caring hands are happy to share a summary of recent initiatives to help you make ends meet.
Please share this blog with those you know that need help or ask them to contact our Community Support team for extra assistance.
WA Student Assistance Payment
This is available to all WA families with school aged children and paid via the WA Government. Children in Kindy to Year 6, will receive $150 and high school students receive $250 with the funds used to support ongoing education in the form of fees, equipment, supplies, or other school-related items. Claim this by logging into your Service WA app and have your child’s WA student number ready (this is listed on their SmartRider or school report) or complete it online here. Applications are open now and close on 28 June.
The WA Rent Relief Program
This program extends a lifeline to individuals and families at risk of eviction, offering a one-time support payment of up to $5000. Whether it’s covering overdue rent, preventing eviction, or providing a cushion during tough times, this initiative aims to preserve housing stability and foster resilience within our communities. The program is run by Vinnies WA and Anglicare WA and can be accessed by calling the Emergency Relief Food Access Service on 1800 979 777 between the hours of 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday and selecting Option 3 to speak to the Rent Relief Triage Team. To be eligible, you must be in arrears with the rent at the time of applying.
Financial Counselling
Get free and confidential help from Southcare’s accredited Financial Counsellor to help you with budgeting, bills, debt recovery, negotiations, advocacy, and appeals. Reach out to the team on 9450 6233 to make a confidential appointment.
Aboriginal Family Support
Have a yarn with Southcare’s Aboriginal Family Support Officer, who can help with information, education, support, advocacy, wellbeing, and referral services. This free service is for Aboriginal families and single people living in Como, Karawara, Kensington, Manning, Salter Point, South Perth and Waterford and available Monday- Friday 9am – 4pm by appointment.
Emergency Relief
This is available free of charge to residents in the City of South Perth and requires you to show current proof of address to be eligible. Visit our team between 10am – 1pm Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday for a confidential appointment and let our caring hands help you with vouchers that can be used for essential food or medication items.
Energy Ahead
This program is available to anyone with a Synergy account who is experiencing financial hardship and wants to save money on their electricity bills. It takes one minute to apply at https://thefwc.org.au/energyahead/ and all you need is your Synergy account number and contact details.
Southcare’s Energy Coach Kevin will be presenting a special workshop on 5 June to share energy saving tips and tricks for your home. Held on World Environment Day, this is the best chance to start saving, both on your bills and your global footprint.
Register here
Op Shop
Southcare’s op shop has responded to community need and will open 4 days a week (Monday – Thursday 10am – 2.30pm) from Monday 6 May. The shop has range of clothing and household items at discounted prices and is a safe and welcoming environment to receive social support too.
Manager Community Support Duncan Edgar said all these initiatives offer something for everyone.
“We encourage every eligible individual and family to take advantage of these programs,” Duncan said.
“Whether it’s investing in education, securing housing stability, becoming more financially independent or sourcing emergency relief to help take the immediate pressure off, these initiatives represent a tangible commitment to the well-being and prosperity of all Western Australians.