Get Help

Information, Advocacy and Referral

Our friendly and experienced team are available to talk with you and explore different services and programs that best meet your needs.

Whether it’s helping you find the right information, providing advocacy support when needed or assisting you with a referral to a service or program, our aim is to help you to connect and remain connected to your local community.

We can provide practical assistance such as helping you fill out a form, write a letter or email or assistance to negotiate a bill.

This program is open to everyone (and is not based on geographical area).

Education Support

When funding is available, we provide assistance with school expenses for primary and secondary students attending state school.

We may be able to provide assistance with obtaining books, uniforms and other equipment, or provide support for you to explore and access other financial hardship programs.

Energy Assistance Program

The Energy Assistance Program is a free service designed to support you if you are having trouble paying your energy bills. We can help you to save money and receive help connecting with your energy retailer.

The program aims to:

• Make sure that you are receiving all your entitlements and are on the best plan for your personal circumstances
• Help you access supports and explore your option if you are experiencing financial hardship
• Provide you with one-on-one help to navigate the energy market

To access the program, you should:

• hold a Commonwealth Government Concession card; or
• be struggling or expecting to struggle to pay your energy bill.

Short Term Case Work

We can provide short term Case Work to assist you if you are struggling and would benefit from this temporary support.  The goal is to assist you to achieve stability and self- sufficiency.  This program is led by you and directed by your personal circumstances and goals.

We will:

• Meet with you to understand your specific situation and needs
• Create a plan to address these needs by identifying supports and services that can help
• Connect you to the relevant supports, services and resources such as housing, health, financial hardship
• If needed, we can advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the help and service that you require

No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)

No interest Loans provide people with access to fair, safe and affordable credit to purchase essential goods and services such as household appliances, furniture, education essentials such as computers and textbooks, some medical expenses, car expenses and mobile phones.  

Loans are free from fees, charges and interest, which means that you pay back only what you borrow.

To be eligible for NILS you must: 

• Earn $70,000 or less if you are single and $100,000 or less (combined income) if you have a partner or children
• Have lived at your current address for at least 3 months and have the ability to repay the loan. Loans are for up to $2000 ($3,000 for some expenses, such as a bond/rent in advance if you are moving into a new property).

Or have:

• Experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years

To find out more please call us on 9571 7644 or email NILS@cisgleneira.org.au 

Tax Help

Tax Help is a network of ATO trained volunteers who provide a free and confidential service, for low income residents (who earn $60,000 or less per annum), to complete a simple tax return

The service is available from mid July – October each year. 

This program is by appointment only, so please phone us on 9571 7644 from early July if you would like to book in for a Tax Help Appointment

Food and Material Support, and Financial Assistance Program

When funding is available, we may be able to assist you with food, personal care items, medical expenses and other financial assistance.  This program is by appointment only.  Please call us on 9571 7644 to discuss how we might be able to help.

Who can access this program?

This service is available to residents living within the City of Glen Eira who are experiencing financial hardship.  What will be provided depends on a number of factors including your current situation, the previous support we have provided and what we currently have available.