Victorian benefits and supports for you

Income support

JobSeeker Payment

You might be eligible to receive regular payments from the government to support you financially if you’re unemployed and are looking for work, or if you’re sick or injured and can’t work or study.

What do I need to get started?

A myGov account and Customer Reference Number (CRN). You can apply for JobSeeker online through the button below or by the Express Plus Centrelink app.

How long will it take to apply?

Around 30 to 60 minutes.

Apply now

Search for unpaid wages

You can reclaim any unpaid wages that might be owed to you through the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website. It's a quick process that only requires your surname and information about your past employer.

What do I need to get started?

Just your name and the ABN or business name of your previous workplace.

How long will it take

Under 5 minutes.

Reclaim your money

Health and disability

Mental health sessions

Save money on up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions with a mental health provider each calendar year. Depending on your needs, your doctor or psychiatrist can refer you for a group or single session. As health professionals set their own fees, the government may only cover some of the costs associated with your treatment.

What do I need to get started?

You’ll need to chat with your doctor or psychiatrist to get the referral.

How long will it take

Varies based on your doctor or psychiatrist.

Disability Support Pension (DSP)

You might be eligible for fortnightly payments from the government through the DPS for financial support if you’re a person with a disability. The DPS can help cover the cost of everyday expenses, medical bills and more.

What do I need to get started?

A myGov account and medical information about your disability. You can apply for the DPS through Centrelink online or by the Express Plus Centrelink app.

How long will it take

Varies based on your individual circumstances.

Home Care Package (HCP)

Access subsidised care services from the comfort of your home if you’re an older Australian and meet the criteria. You can get things like low-cost home modifications, affordable meal delivery and more to help you age comfortably.

What do I need to get started?

You’ll need your Medicare card. But if you’re applying on behalf of someone else, you’ll need to provide your personal information too.

How long will it take to apply?

About 20 minutes.

Apply now

Ask Izzy

Ask Izzy is a website that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, family violence support, counselling and much more. It is free and anonymous. You can find low- or no-cost support and services to help you with more than 400,000 support options.

What do I need to get started?

Nothing at all. Simply choose a category, follow the prompts and you can get access to the services you need.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on the services you need.

Find a service

Victorian Aids and Equipment Program

You might be able to save money by accessing subsidised aids, equipment, home and vehicle modifications to cover the costs of living life safely and independently in your own home.

What do I need to get started?

You’ll need to do an assessment with a registered provider to work out the most appropriate and cost-effective aid or piece of equipment for you.

How long will it take to apply?

It will vary based on the registered provider.

Disability Donations Trust

If you apply for this exclusive grant, you can access financial aid for specific needs you otherwise can’t afford where no other government funding is available. With this financial support, you can live independently and safely at home.

What do I need to get started?

Varies based on the grant’s criteria.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on the grant you’re applying for.

Transport

Travel concessions

If you’re eligible, you can save money when you use public transport across Melbourne and Victoria with a concession myki. You can easily apply for this discount if you’re an asylum seeker, health care card holder, pensioner, school or university student and more.

What do I need to get started?

Varies based on what type of concession myki you’re applying for, but you’ll need to download the form and send it to the Public Transport Victoria office.

How long will it take to apply?

Around 10 minutes.

Access Travel Pass

You can travel for free across Victoria with the Access Travel Pass if you meet the criteria and have a permanent physical disability, cognitive disability or mental illness that prevents you from using a myki.

What do I need to get started?

Personal information, details about your disability, a passport-sized photo of yourself, and a declaration from your health practitioner. You’ll also need to download the form and send it to the Public Transport Victoria office.

How long will it take to apply?

About 15 to 30 minutes.

Apply now

Property and housing

First home buyer supports

You can save some money when buying your first home with an exemption or discount on your stamp duty. You might also be eligible for a small grant from the government to help you hop on the property ladder for the first time.

What do I need to get started?

Personal details, proof of income and financial information. If you and someone else – like a partner or sibling – are lodging a joint application, you both need to provide the relevant information.

How long will it take to apply?

As you can apply through your lender or on the State Revenue Office website, the application time will vary.

Rent Assistance

You can receive additional financial aid from the government if you pay rent and receive any payment support if you meet the eligibility criteria.

What do I need to get started?

You don’t need to make a claim for Rent Assistance as Services Australia will check your eligibility when you make a new claim for other government supports.

How long will it take to apply?

N/A

Housing Establishment Fund (HEF)

Receive support to help you access overnight accommodation or private rental accommodation if you’re experiencing financial hardship and are eligible.

What do I need to get started?

As you need to apply through a registered provider, the required information may vary.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on provider.

Find a provider

Education and learning

ABSTUDY

You might be eligible for financial aid to cover the costs of essential schooling and training costs if you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. This funding can pay for you or your child’s school and boarding fees, books, stationery and more.

What do I need to get started?

A myGov account, Customer Reference Number (CRN), and other supporting documents based on the type of ABSTUDY support you’re claiming.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on what type of ABSTUDY support you’re claiming.

Education Entry Payment (EdEP)

You can receive additional financial support from the government if you just started studying and are eligible.

What do I need to get started?

A myGov account, personal information and banking details.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on the type of EdEP you’re claiming.

Victorian Government’s Free TAFE program

You can access over 80 free TAFE qualifications and short courses without paying a cent – even if you have a current VET qualification or degree.

What do I need to get started?

As you apply through an eligible TAFE and vocational educational place, what you need may vary.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies between providers.

Find a course

Skills First funding

You can pay lower tuition fees for courses in growth industries through government-subsidised training.

What do I need to get started?

Personal information and details about any of your past studies.

How long will it take to apply?

You’ll need to apply through a training provider with a Skills First place available so the application time may vary.

Other supports

Moorup Tech Trade-in Offer

Swap your outdated smartphones for extra cash. Simply upload details about your phone or tablet, share your bank details, send in your device and you’ll get cash back.

What do I need to get started?

You’ll need information about your phone (including IMEI number), your banking details and ID.

How long will it take to apply?

Around 15 minutes.

Banking for concession card holders

Your bank might offer accounts specific for concession card holders. These bank accounts promote easy access to your money and waive fees associated with the account. Chat with your bank to see if they offer these accounts, or look at the list of eligible accounts from the Australian Bankers’ Association.

What do I need to get started?

Chat with your bank to see what options are available to you – they can tell you what you’ll need to open an account.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on your bank and the account you’re opening.

I have a family

Raising a family often comes with juggling your child’s health, education, the sports they play and more. That’s why we’ve got a list of all the different financial assistance programs and support to make raising your family that little bit easier.

Income support

Family Tax Benefit (FTB)

You can receive fortnightly payments from the government to help with the cost of raising your children if you and your family are eligible.

What do I need to get started?

A Centrelink online account, some personal information and your banking details.

How long will it take to apply?

About 30 minutes.

New Upfront Payment and Newborn Supplement

If you’re eligible, you can receive a lump sum to increase your FTB payment when you start caring for a newborn or a child that’s recently come into your care.

What do I need to get started?

When you apply for the FTB, the government will check if you’re eligible for this payment.

How long will it take to apply?

N/A

Single Income Family Supplement (SIFS)

You might be eligible for an annual payment to help cover the costs of raising your family if you’re a single parent.

What do I need to get started?

A Centrelink online account, some personal information and your banking details.

How long will it take to apply?

About 30 minutes.

Health and disability

Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS)

You can get financial support from the government to pay for all or some of your child’s dental care.

What do I need to get started?

A Medicare card and other information based on how you’re making the claim. You can get the benefit at the dentist, through Medicare online or the Express Plus Medicare app.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on how you applied for the benefit.

Make a claim

Smile Squad

Your child can receive free dental care if they’re enrolled in a Victorian government primary, secondary or specialist school. Now that’s something worth smiling about.

What do I need to get started?

Nothing!

How long will it take to apply?

N/A

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund

You can receive a yearly payment to cover the cost of your child’s school camps, excursions, sports and outdoor education programs.

What do I need to get started?

You’ll need to download the form from the button below and submit it to your child’s school. Have your concession card and student information ready.

How long will it take to apply?

About 15 minutes.

Raising a family

Child Care Subsidy (CCS)

You can receive support from the government to cover some of the cost of childcare to give your child a good education early in life.

What do I need to get started?

A myGov account that’s linked to Centrelink, some personal information and banking details.

How long will it take to apply?

About 30 minutes.

Parenting Payment

You can receive fortnightly payments from the government to financially support you if you’re the primary carer for a young child.

What do I need to get started?

A myGov account that’s linked to Centrelink, some personal information and banking details.

How long will it take to apply?

About 30 minutes.

Parental Leave Pay

You might be able to receive regular financial support for up to 20 weeks if you recently gave birth or adopted a child and are taking time off work.

What do I need to get started?

A myGov account that’s linked to Centrelink, some personal information and banking details.

How long will it take to apply?

About 30 minutes.

Dad and Partner Pay

You can receive a payment for up to two weeks if you’re a dad or partner of someone who recently gave birth or adopted a child.

What do I need to get started?

A myGov account that’s linked to Centrelink, some personal information and banking details.

How long will it take to apply?

About 30 minutes.

Double Orphan Pension

If you’re a carer of a child whose parents can’t care for them or have passed away, you might be eligible for financial support to look after them.

What do I need to get started?

A myGov account that’s linked to Centrelink, some personal information and banking details.

How long will it take to apply?

About 30 minutes.

Education and learning

Kindergarten fee subsidy

You can access up to 15 hours of subsidised kindergarten delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher for low or no cost if you’re eligible.

What do I need to get started?

Your kindergarten service will apply for the subsidy on your behalf. They will let you know if they need anything from you.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on kindergarten provider.

Conveyance Allowance Program

You can receive financial support to help cover the cost of your child’s travel to and from school.

What do I need to get started?

Your child’s school will apply on your behalf. They will let you know if they need anything from you.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on the school.

I am a senior or pensioner

As you get older, different parts of your life may change. Knowing what support is available can help you during this stage of your life. That’s why we’ve got a list of rebates and support programs you can access to be financially ready in your twilight years.

Health and disability

Life support concession

You can get discounted rates on your electricity and water bills if you or someone you live with uses an intermittent peritoneal dialysis machine, oxygen concentrator or haemodialysis machine. This rebate only applies to concession card holders.

What do I need to get started?

Download the application form and then send a completed version to your electricity and water provider.

How long will it take to apply?

Around 15 to 20 minutes.

Medical cooling concession

You can receive a discount on your electricity bills if you or someone you live with has a medical condition that’s aggravated by changes in temperature. This rebate only applies to concession card holders.

What do I need to get started?

Download the application form and then send a completed version to your electricity provider.

How long will it take to apply?

Around 15 to 20 minutes.

Transport

Free travel vouchers

Travel for free throughout Victoria if you’ve got a pensioner’s concession card or seniors card. You just need your personal information and an eligible senior or pensioner’s card to apply.

What do I need to get started?

Your name, address and relevant concession or senior card.

How long will it take to apply?

Up to 5 minutes.

Property and housing

Municipal rates concession

Get a discount on your council rates. How good is that?

What do I need to get started?

Download the form and send a completed version to your local council. You’ll also need your concession card handy.

How long will it take to apply?

Up to 10 minutes.

Other supports

Seniors Discount Directory

Get discounts at a number of different businesses, such as local dining, entertainment and health services.

What do I need to get started?

Nothing!

How long will it take to apply?

Up to 10 minutes to search for a specific business.

Search and save

I earn a low income

Being a low-income earner or concession card holder can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to money. We’ve listed some of the different benefits you can access to make navigating life and your finances more manageable.

Utilities and bills

Annual electricity concession

You can get discounted rates on your electricity bills and save money each month if you’re a concession card holder. Simply contact your electricity provider or visit their website to apply for an electricity concession.

What do I need to get started?

You’ll need to contact your electricity provider and have your concession card on hand.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on provider.

Water and sewage concession

You can save money on your water and sewerage bills if you’re a concession card holder. The amount you save will be capped at a certain amount each year.

What do I need to get started?

Contact your water provider and have your concession card on hand.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on provider.

Utility relief grant scheme

You might be eligible for financial support from the Victorian Government if you’re experiencing unexpected hardship and are behind on your utility bills. You will be covered for the costs of these bills up to a certain amount.

What do I need to get started?

You’ll need to contact your electricity, gas or water provider.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on provider.

Non-mains energy concession

If you’re a low-income earner or concession card holder, you might be eligible for discounted rates on your non-main energy usage, like using energy from solar panels.

What do I need to get started?

Download the form and email or mail a completed version to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. You’ll also need your concession card and information about your gas usage.

How long will it take to apply?

Up to 10 minutes.

Non-mains water concession

You can get a discount for your non-mains water usage, like usage from a rainwater tank, if you’re a low-income earner or concession card holder.

What do I need to get started?

Download the form and email or mail a completed version to the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. You’ll also need your concession card and information about your non-mains water purchases.

How long will it take to apply?

Up to 10 minutes.

Excess energy concession

You can get a discount on your energy bills if they’re a lot higher than originally anticipated. To be eligible, you need to hold a concession card and have an annual electricity cost over a certain amount.

What do I need to get started?

Your electricity provider will send you a form to fill out and return. You’ll need your concession card on standby.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on provider.

Excess gas concession

You might be eligible for a discount on your gas bill when winter comes around and you hold a concession card.

What do I need to get started?

Your gas provider will send you a form to fill out and return. You’ll need your concession card on standby.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on provider.

Health and disability

Low Income Health Care Card

You might be able to access affordable health care and receive other discounts, like public transport, with this concession card for low-income earners.

What do I need to get started?

A myGov account, and some personal and financial information.

How long will it take to apply?

Around 30 minutes.

Public dental care

You can access low-cost and affordable public dental care if you’ve got a concession card. If you want to go private and are a concession card holder, then there are other schemes you can apply for depending on your oral health needs.

What do I need to get started?

Varies based on where you go for dental care.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on where you go for dental care.

Victorian Eyecare Service (VES)

If you’ve got a concession card, then you can access subsidised and cost-effective eyecare from a registered VES clinic.

What do I need to get started?

You’ll need to visit a registered clinic or call 1300 303 125 to get things started.

How long will it take

Varies based on service provider.

Find a clinic

Ambulance Victoria fee exemptions

You don’t have to pay for ambulance services if you hold a concession card. If you’re experiencing financial hardship, Ambulance Victoria will arrange a payment amount and method that suits your situation.

What do I need to get started?

You’ll need to have your concession card on hand when you use Ambulance Victoria’s services. You can also call them on 1800 990 029 to talk about your payment options.

How long will it take to apply?

N/A

Disability self-help grants program

If you run a disability self-help group, you might be eligible for financial assistance to cover the operational costs. The funding will help your group provide social, emotional and practical support to people with disability.

What do I need to get started?

Varies based on the grant you’re applying for.

How long will it take to apply?

Varies based on the grant you’re applying for.

Transport

Vehicle registration concession

You can receive a discount on your vehicle registration if you have a concession card or are the spouse of someone with a concession card.

What do I need to get started?

You need a myVicRoads account, your concession card and information about your car.

How long will it take to apply?

Up to 15 minutes.

Travel concessions

What do I need to get started?

Varies based on what type of concession myki you’re applying for, but you’ll need to download the form and send it to the Public Transport Victoria office.

How long will it take to apply?

Around 10 minutes.

Property and housing

RentAssist bond loan

Receive additional financial support to help you pay a bond before moving into your new rental if you’re within the income and asset test.

What do I need to get started?

You’ll need a myGov account, proof of your assets and income, and details about your bond and lease.

How long will it take to apply?

Around 30 minutes.

Rent Assistance

You can receive additional financial aid from the government if you pay rent and receive any payment support if you’re eligible.

What do I need to get started?

You don’t need to make a claim for Rent Assistance as Services Australia will check your eligibility when you make a new claim for other government supports.

How long will it take to apply?

N/A