Emergency Relief Program

The Emergency Relief program under the Financial Wellbeing and Capability (FWC) Activity is a national financial crisis response program in Australia. It aims to support individuals experiencing financial stress who have limited resources to help alleviate their financial crisis.

Program overview

The Australian Government Department of Social Services Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity – Emergency Relief Program aims to help financially vulnerable individuals and families by providing emergency relief services. This includes short-term financial assistance for essential items such as food, utilities and petrol or referrals to external services if this program cannot meet their needs. The program is designed to help people manage their financial crises and encourage self-reliance by directing them to relevant services.

About the Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity

The Australian Government funds community organisations to help eligible individuals and families in financial crises.

Eligibility

To access the Emergency Relief Program you must:

Be in immediate need of relief due to an emergency or crisis.
Reside in the Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke, Wentworth or Balranald Local Government Areas.
Be willing to complete an assessment of your situation, including providing relevant documentation or evidence such as income statements, payslips, copies of invoices or bills, and identification.
Priority may be given to applicants who have not accessed MASP’s Emergency Relief in the past 12 months, households with children or elderly members, individuals at risk of homelessness or family violence, Aboriginal or Torres Strait or Culturally and Linguistically Diverse clients.

The Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity – Emergency Relief Program:

Helps individuals and families experiencing financial stress.
Supports the development of financial resilience and capability among participants.
Refers individuals to other services that can help in emergency situations.

Services are free, voluntary and confidential.

What is an emergency or crisis situation?

An emergency or crisis is defined as a situation where an individual or household is unable to meet basic needs due to:

Insufficient income or resources meaning an applicant cannot pay for food, utilities, rent, or essential medications.
Sudden or unforeseen events that result in an emergency or crisis situation, such as job loss, illness, family breakdown, domestic violence or natural disaster.
Lacking urgently required essential items or services.
Discrimination or lack of access to services.

How to access the Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity – Emergency Relief Program

For more information, or to access the ERP contact MASP’s Emergency Relief Administration Officer on:

Phone: 03 5021 6500

Email: emergencyrelief@masp.org.au

Click here to access an online application, or scan the QR Code:

Acknowledgement

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.