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Helpful support services

When faced with difficult times in life,
sometimes we need some extra help.

We’ve put together information about some independent services and tools that may be of use to you at this time. 

Emergency financial assistance

Severe financial hardship

You may be able to access part of your super if you are experiencing severe financial hardship and meet the following conditions:

  • receiving Commonwealth income support payments for either 26 continuous weeks or a cumulative period of 39 weeks, depending on whether you've reached the preservation age (the age you'd usually be able to access your super ).
  • if you haven’t reached your preservation age, the maximum amount you can withdraw under severe financial hardship is $10,000, and this can only be made once in a 12 month period.

To apply for an early release of your super under severe financial hardship payment, contact us on Live Chat or call us on 1300 300 778.

For more information see Accessing your super early.

The following independent services may be able to help you relieve your immediate financial distress:

Centrelink

Centrelink is part of the Department of Human Services. They deliver social security payments and services to Australians.

Website: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/centrelink
Online tool: Payment and Service finder tool
 

National Debt Helpline

National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service that helps people in Australia tackle their debt problems. Their professional financial counsellors offer a free, independent and confidential service.

Call: 1800 007 007
Website: www.ndh.org.au
 

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army offers a range of support options to help with financial difficulties, depending on the nature of your problems.

Call: 13 72 58
Website: salvos.org.au/need-help/financial-assistance
 

St Vincent De Paul

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia has more than 60,000 members and volunteers, who work hard to assist people in need and combat social injustice across Australia.

Call: 13 18 12
Website: www.vinnies.org.au
 

RedKite

Cancer treatment can put pressure on finances, particularly for those who need to travel and stay away from home, or young people living independently. Redkite can help cover the cost of many essential items.

Call: 1800 733 5481
Website: www.redkite.org.au/service/financial-assistance-program/
 

Cancer Council

Cancer Council NSW provides direct emergency financial assistance to people affected by cancer and financial disadvantage.

Call: 13 11 20
Website: www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-support/pro-bono-program/financial-assistance/
 

Emotional or crisis support

The following independent organisations may be able to provide the help and support you need:

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.

Call: 1300 224 636
Chat: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/talk-to-a-counsellor/chat
Website: www.beyondblue.org.au

 

Griefline

Griefline is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of grief and loss. They provide support and resources to people across Australia 7 days a week.

Call: 1300 845 745
Website: https://griefline.org.au/

Headspace

Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12 – 25 year olds, along with assistance in promoting young peoples’ wellbeing. This covers four core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drug services.

Call: 1800 650 890
Chat: https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/
Website: www.headspace.org.au
 

Lifeline

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Call: 13 11 14
Chat: https://www.lifeline.org.au/131114/
Website: www.lifeline.org.au
 

Managing money and legal issues

The following independent services may be able to help you manage your finances or help you in if you are experiencing legal issues:

Legal aid

In each state and territory, legal aid commissions deliver a wide range of legal assistance services in criminal, family and civil law matters. Some legal assistance is available free-of-charge to everyone, including through free brochures, information sessions or telephone legal advice. 

Website: https://www.ag.gov.au/legal-system/legal-assistance-services

MoneySmart

ASIC's MoneySmart website is for all Australians. They offer free, independent guidance so you can make the most of your money. They have smart tips on dealing with the ups and downs of life.

Website: www.moneysmart.gov.au 

National Association of Community Legal Centres

Community Legal Centres (CLCs) are independently operating not-for-profit community organisations that provide legal and related services to the public, focusing on the disadvantaged and people with special needs. 

Website: www.naclc.org.au 

The information referred to on this page is general in nature only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. The services referred to on this page are offered and provided by third parties, not Retail Employees Superannuation Pty Ltd, the Trustee of Rest. The Trustee is not responsible for the services, views or actions of these organisations. Rest does not receive any payments or commissions from these third parties as a result of you using their services. You should use your own judgement before taking up any service offered by a third party. You should ensure that you know, and understand, the terms and conditions which will apply to the provision of such services from the third party. The Trustee does not accept liability for any loss or damage incurred by any person as a result of using services provided by these third parties.