Renting a home should never be a source of stress and hardship. At times, financial difficulties can leave renters feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn for support.
Recently, we were reminded just how the key to stability, is support from society during challenging times. Meet Sarah, a hardworking single mother living in the heart of Melton. She has always been determined to provide the best for her two young children. For years, Sarah managed to make ends meet, balancing her job and household expenses. However, everything changed when she unexpectedly lost her job due to unforeseen circumstances. The sudden loss of income left Sarah struggling to pay her rent, electricity, groceries and other essential bills.
Feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn, Sarah reached out to our office and Melton Council for help. They directed her to various assistance programs available in Melton, including an interest-free loan, financial support through the Commonwealth Rent Assistance program, and local charities to provide emergency relief.
With the guidance and support from these programs, Sarah was able to avoid eviction, ensuring her family had a stable roof over their heads. The financial assistance from the Commonwealth Rent Assistance program helped ease the burden of paying the entire rent by herself during her job search. Additionally, the emergency relief services provided her with essential items, such as food, clothing, and utility bill assistance.
Sarah's story serves as a reminder that no one is immune to life's challenges, and sometimes, a helping hand can make all the difference. We are here to provide personalized support and guidance to renters like Sarah, ensuring they find the necessary assistance to navigate through tough times and unlock hope for a brighter future.
Because everyone deserves a stable and secure home, and we are dedicated to making that a reality for our community in Melton. If you or anyone you know is facing a housing crisis or financial hardship we hope this list of resources helps you to find the help you need.
In this article, we aim to shed light on various assistance programs and resources available to renters in need here in the City of Melton and local surrouding areas. Each State and Territory will have different State and local resources and if you need guidance we always recommend reaching out for help from your local council first and foremost.
As real estate agents working in Melton, we understand the challenges faced by renters in our community. We are one of the most disadvantaged municipalities in the State of Victoria and we also rank as one of the highest number of residents on social and community housing waitlists. Coupled alongside that, The City of Melton is also one of the fastest growing populations in Australia. Combined with a lack of rental stock, higher demand for affordable rental options and many Private Landlords selling their property, Renters find themselves stretching beyond their budgets as the cost of living continues to rise, just to pay rent.
Whether you require help with bond and rent payments, managing your budget, seeking disability support, or understanding your rights and responsibilities, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through tough times.
Bond and Rent Assistance: If you are seeking private rental accommodation in Victoria and need assistance with the bond, there is hope. The interest-free bond loan program can provide the financial support you need to secure a rental property. To be eligible for the bond loan, you must meet the department's criteria. Don't hesitate to contact Rent Assist for more information and guidance. Download the document from HousingVic.gov.au here
Financial Help with Rent Payments: The Commonwealth Rent Assistance program is designed to offer financial aid to eligible individuals receiving Centrelink payments and privately renting their homes. The money is added on to your Centrelink pension, allowance or benefit.To check your eligibility for this support, visit the myGov website: Find out if you are eligible here
Concessions and Financial Assistance: Low-income Victorians struggling to pay their council rates, water, gas, and electricity bills can access concessions. Additionally, community organizations, like the Salvation Army Social Housing and Support Service Network Melton (ph: 1800 825 955) or Visit Salvation Army Housing Website here
The Salvation Army will provide limited financial assistance through the Housing Establishment Fund (HEF) including but not limited to: assessment of housing and support needs, referral to crisis and longer term accommodation and specialist support providers, housing related information, advocacy and assistance to maintain existing housing.
The SASHS Network is the Access Point for clients living in the Brimbank and Melton Local Government Areas. This service is the primary assessment and referral point for clients experiencing housing and homelessness issues.The SASHS Network provides an initial assessment and planning process for clients whose housing is at risk. The access point provides this service at Sunshine during business hours (Monday – Friday) except Wednesday afternoons. This is an appointment based service where clients present on the day to obtain an appointment based on availability.
A limited crisis response can be provided based on individual circumstances and the capacity of the Initial Assessment and Planning (IA&P) team. (Conditions Apply) Melton is a pre-booked appointment service operating from the Melton City Council offices. Appointments for Melton clients can be pre-booked up to two weeks in advance by contacting the Sunshine Office (9312 5424). Appointments are not able to be made via the Melton Office.
The Melton Office operating days are Tuesdays, Thursday and Fridays.The SASHS Network is sub-contracted by HomeGround to deliver the IA&P component of the Court Integrated Services Program (
Charities and community organisations have emergency relief services to help you with things like:
- food vouchers or food parcels
- transport vouchers
- chemist vouchers
- clothing or furniture
- part-payment of utility bills
- help with back-to-school costs
For a full list of emergency relief services, see the Department of Social Service Grant Services Directory.
Managing the Budget: If you find it challenging to pay your bills or manage your finances, remember that help is available. Government and not-for-profit services can offer valuable guidance. Visit the MoneyHelp website Visit MoneySmart here for budgeting tools, financial advice, sample hardship letters, and step-by-step guides tailored to your needs.
If you don't know where to start, call the free National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can call the free Mob Strong Debt Helpline on 1800 808 488. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm.
No Interest and Low-Interest Loans: For essential household items, low-income earners can benefit from the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) or Good Money Stores. NILS provides interest-free loans for items like fridges, washing machines, and clothes dryers, while Good Money Stores offer low-interest loans for furniture, computers, and second-hand vehicles.
NILs help you manage your money and you only pay back what you borrow, nothing more. How much can you borrow?
- Borrow up to $2000 for essentials such as appliances or furniture, to help you get your car back on the road, pay for education fees and equipment or help you cover the cost of goods and services to support your wellbeing
- Borrow up to $3000 for housing related expenses such as bond or rent in advance, or for recovery from a natural disaster.
For more information visit: Good Shephard No Interest Loans
Support for Renters with Disabilities: If you have a disability and wish to remain in your home, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers various supports for independent living. Visit the NDIS website to explore the available options. NDIS and Housing Support Information here
Renting and Retirement: For older residents of Melton, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme provides services to help seniors stay at home and remain engaged in the community. Additionally, the Home at Last program is available to low-income older individuals, providing personalized assistance or connecting them with relevant services. For more information, visit the website Housing for the Aged Information and Support here.
The Commonwealth Home Care Package provides services to help older people with slightly more complex needs to stay at home and be more independent in the community. Younger people with a disability, dementia or other special care needs may be eligible for a home care package. To find out more, see the My Aged Care website has more information on home care packages, including how to get a package.
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding your tenant rights and protections is essential during challenging times. Refer to resources like the Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) website Consumer Affairs Renting Information, Residential Tenancies Act 1997, Tenancy Victoria Website Tenants Victoria - Advice & Support, Housing Victoria Website, or contact your local council for valuable information. Remember, financial hardship assistance is available, and reaching out to your Property Manager or Local Real Estate Agent can provide a list of local, state, and commonwealth assistance options.
The City of Melton Council has local services available from thier website Housing Support in City of Melton or by contacting them by phone on 03 9747 7200.
Here at First National Real Estate Melton, we are committed to supporting our community in Melton when it comes to having a roof over your head!
If you find yourself in a housing crisis or facing financial hardship, we encourage you to reach out to us for assistance. We also encourage anyone who is experiencing financial hardship or distress to reach out to services and support such as Lifeline Phone 13 11 14 or TEXT 0477 131 114 or by visiting Beyond Blue. Follow this link to Get help and support here - you are not alone.
Our local Member of Parliment Steve McGhie can also assist if you are in a unique situation and need further assistance from State Government by contacting Ph: 03 9743 982
Our experienced team understands the challenges renters may face, and we are dedicated to helping you find the support you need during difficult times. Together, we can unlock hope and provide a helping hand to navigate the path towards stable housing and a brighter future.
Remember, you don't have to face this alone—contact us today for personalized support and guidance. Everyone deserves a home.
Call our team for help renting on 03 9746 6222 or call Jade Carberry 0424 929 727 directly.
(All Names have been changed in this article for privacy reasons but content was shared with permission)