Financial assistance
The following services have financial assistance programs and offer:
- bill payment assistance (for Utility and Council rates, visit Support with bill payments)
- practical support including food, clothing, transport help
- financial counselling.
CatholicCare - Brookvale
CatholicCare provides free, independent and confidential financial counselling to anyone having difficulties managing money.
Their Financial Counsellors can help you prepare a budget or money plan, manage your debts, set realistic financial goals, understand your rights, and if needed negotiate with creditors.
Call 1800 324 924
St Vincent de Paul Society - Brookvale
St Vincent de Paul Society offers emergency relief for individuals and families experiencing disadvantage including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Aid includes food parcels, clothing, furniture, utility vouchers, toiletries and financial assistance for paying transport and pharmaceutical expenses.
They can also help individuals and families on low incomes or in special circumstances access special no interest loan schemes.
Find out more:
- On their website
- Call the assistance line on 13 18 12
- Contact the Brookvale Support Centre
- or visit in person at 684 Pittwater Road, Brookvale - 9:30am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday
- or phone 9905 0424
Salvos Assessment Line
The Salvation Army provides telephone assessment for people who are in crisis and who are in need of emergency relief. They can help to meet immediate basic needs such as clothing and food.
They can also help individuals and families on low incomes or in special circumstances access special no interest loan schemes.
Call 8775 7988
Manly Salvation Army also offers assistance with utility bills - call 0077 1304 for assessment
Anglicare
Food Assistance & Vouchers and Financial Assistance & Support
Anglicare at Dee Why offers food and financial assistance
1300 111 278
Shop 1/20 Howard Avenue Dee Why
9:30-5pm Monday, Wednesday to Friday
10am-5pm Tuesday
Aged care financial hardship assistance
If you can’t afford your aged care costs, contact Services Australia for advice and to discuss your eligibility for financial hardship assistance.
Domestic Violence
Our Domestic and Family Violence pages provide information on local support services for community members affected by domestic violence.
The Escaping Violence Payment is an Australian Government program, designed to help people aged 18 and above who have:
- recently experienced intimate partner domestic violence
- have a changed living situation
- and are experiencing financial stress.
You can contact the program directly or ask a family violence or other support service to help you connect.
Call 13 372 273
Tips to manage costs
If you're looking for advice on how to cut costs in your everyday life, from activities to clothing, groceries and healthcare, check out the following resources.
Free and low cost activities
We’re lucky to live in a beautiful part of the world which has many parks and reserves, bush trails, bike paths and beaches where we can explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Our website is full of ideas of things to do at low or no cost.
You can also look at our What’s On Calendar of events for a range of free and low cost activities throughout the year.
Our libraries provide a free and quiet space to read, study and connect with others.
Each library has free Wi-Fi available. Select @beachescouncil Free Wi-Fi in your Wi-Fi network list to connect.
The Northern Beaches has a wide range of community groups which meet regularly and cover a wide range of interests.
Low cost clothing
There are a number of thrift shops located around the Northern Beaches which offer quality clothing at low prices.
Keep an eye out for local garage sales and markets such as the Avalon Car Boot sale where community members are keen to recycle clothing at low cost.
Groceries and other household expenses
There is a lot of advice on the internet for ways to reduce spending on groceries and other household bills. The Government’s Moneysmart site has useful tips on simple ways to save money.
See our Community food services page which identifies free/low cost food, free medical clinics and other supports for those in need.
Vouchers for other expenses
The Service NSW Savings Finder can help you to find which of the NSW Government rebates, vouchers and concessions you are eligible for, to help reduce your cost of living.
These vouchers cover expenses including:
- Energy and utilities
- Driving
- Public transport
- Health
- Seniors
- Children
- Recreation and leisure
- Home
More useful resources
Northern Beaches Community Directory
For detailed information about Northern Beaches community services, organisations and groups refer to Council's Community Directory.
Moneysmart
Moneysmart helps Australians take control of their money with free tools, tips and guidance.
AskIzzy
AskIzzy offers helpful guidance and links to relevant services across over 370,000 support services, including available government support, across Australia so have a look what support is available in your area.