|
Banyule Support & Information Centre |
Financial Assistance
Emergency Relief
BANSIC provides Emergency Relief for families and individuals in need. This support takes the form of food vouchers redeemable at local supermarkets. The extent of financial support depends on the availability of funds, which varies from time to time.
Funding is provided by the Federal Government and by periodic allocation of money from the Magistrates Court.
To be eligible for Emergency Relief, clients need to have a current Health Care Card or a Pension card showing an address in: Heidelberg, Rosanna, Viewbank, Eaglemont, Ivanhoe, Macleod, Simpson Barracks or Yallambie.
Eligible clients can have a foodvoucher three times a year with a eight week gap between the helps. When no funds are available for food vouchers, a referral to Foodshare in Greensborough or a small food parcel may be arranged (if available).
Back to School Assistance
Help with back to school expenses (school fees, books, camps, excursions) may be available at the beginning of the school year, depending on the availability of funds for this purpose. The sale of Christmas Cards funds this service.
Eligibility as for Emergency Relief.
Telstra Bill Assistance Program
Telstra customers (home land line) experiencing financial crisis and unable to pay their Telstra home telephone bill may be eligible for assistance depending on the availability of Telstra Certificates. There are set assessment guidelines for this assistance. Certificates cannot be used for mobile phones or disconnected service.
Utility Relief Grant Scheme
The Utility Relief Grant Scheme assists people who under strained financial circumstances, cannot pay their electricity, gas or water bills and are at risk of disconnection.
The applicant may get a once only grant for each one: gas, electricity and water. To be eligible for this grant the person needs to have a Pensioner Concession Card or a Health Care Card. The applicants need to show unexpected hardship which has left them seriously short of money. eg. If there has been a significant increase in consumption,a decrease in income or high, expenses for essential items.
BANSIC can assist in the filling out of forms as required by the Dept. of Human Services.
For an appointment please contact BANSIC.