Emergency Relief
Short-term financial relief depending on your circumstances.
Relief Assistance helps you address basic needs in times of financial distress or hardship. An appointment will be required to assess your eligibility where one-off vouchers – not cash – may be provided depending on your circumstances.
About Our Program
Metro Assist may be able to provide, one-off vouchers for necessities to assist you in the short-term.
An appointment will be required to assess your eligibility from one of our qualified financial counsellors where one-off vouchers – not cash – may be provided depending on your circumstances and on a case-by-case basis.
Who can access relief assistance?
- Low-income earners or those receiving no payments at all
- People experiencing domestic and family violence
- People experiencing homelessness
- People experiencing financial hardship
What can I get a voucher for?
- Food voucher (e-vouchers or vouchers can be sent via mail)
- Opal cards (online top-up or via mail)
- Chemist bill payments (directly paid to the supplier upon receipt of invoice)
- Part-payment of utility account (1/3 of the overall bill, provided online)
- Part payment of Telstra home phone and internet (sent via mail)
- Budgeting assistance
- Referrals to other services that help to address underlying causes of financial distress
What steps do I need to take to receive my vouchers?
Call Metro Assist Reception
You will need to call the Metro Assist reception. If you don’t get through, please leave a message and we will get back to as soon as we can.
STEP 02
Complete the Referral
Reception will complete the referral/ intake form on behalf of the clients.
STEP 03
Provide Documentation
Provide Documentation needed including Centrelink (if applicable) recent bank statements (and 3 months).
STEP 04
Other Relief Support Services
If you are unable to get an appointment with us, you can access other relief support services. To find other service providers, click here.
Where do I have to live?
Our service is only available to the residents of Canterbury Bankstown, Inner West, Canada Bay, Georges River, and Bayside.
If you live in other parts of Sydney you can find relief providers using the Department of Social Services directory or we can help you find relief providers in your area.
How do I make a booking?
Please contact reception on (02) 9789 3744 or (02) 8709 0200 to make a booking to see a Financial Counsellor.
Financial Wellbeing Programs
Financial Counselling
Family assistance to strengthen your child’s well-being and create a secure home environment while providing support to prevent challenges from worsening, and keeping the family together.
Learn more
No Interest Loans Scheme
Metro Assist can assist you in obtaining a no-interest loan of up to $2000 or $3000 depending on your circumstances. The NIL’s loans are interest-free, and there are no fees – ever. (*conditions apply)
Learn more
Energy Accounts Payment Assistance
You can apply for an EAPA vouchers if you are having difficulty paying your current household energy bill due to short-term financial distress or emergency. Vouchers are limited, and are sent electronically to the energy retailer.
Learn more