Financial assistance is available from the Australian and Victorian governments, Yarra City Council and other organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic to individuals, families and other households.
State and Federal Government support
The Australian and Victorian Government have introduced a variety of financial assistance packages to support the community during the pandemic. Visit their websites below to find out your eligibility and how to apply.
- Concessions and benefits - Department of Health and Human Services
- Supporting individuals and households - Treasury
- Financial support for businesses and workers - Victorian Government
Ratepayers affected by COVID-19
For those experiencing financial hardship as a direct result of COVID-19, Yarra has introduced a Community and Economic Support Package to create flexibility for both commercial and residential ratepayers.
Payment arrangements can be tailored to suit each rate payer individually and their situation.
You can also visit the Overdue rates and financial hardship page on our website.
Food and health registrations
If your business is experiencing financial hardship and you are finding it difficult to pay your registration fees then you can apply for special consideration of your circumstances.
Submit an application, along with any relevant documentation, for assessment by selecting the link below:
Apply for financial hardship support
We will assess your application and contact you to discuss your options.
Financial counselling
The City of Yarra offers free and confidential financial counselling, providing information and support for anyone experiencing financial difficulties.
Financial hardship policy
Download our Financial hardship policy (115KB, PDF) to understand the City of Yarra response for those experiencing financial hardship during Covid-19.
The policy aims to provide ratepayers and service users with a clear and transparent understanding of options and assistance available if currently experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic.
Australian Government support
- Income support for individuals and families – including me support payments, payments to support households and temporary early releases of superannuation.
- JobSeeker payment – available for persons aged 22 to retirement age who are unemployed or temporarily unable to work, and not in receipt of JobKeeper payment from an employer. Residence conditions and a means test apply.
- JobKeeper payment – to support businesses affected by COVID-19 by helping with the costs of their employees’ wages. Your employer may be eligible for the JobKeeper fortnightly payment of $1,500 on your behalf.
- Families – if you receive family payments or parenting support, you may be able to receive additional support with the Economic Support Payment or the Coronavirus supplement.
Help paying for electricity, gas or water
The Victorian Government Utility Relief Grant Scheme provides eligible Victorians with Pensioner, Health Care or Veterans Gold cards, who are facing financial hardship.
International students
The Victorian Government has announced a $45 million international student emergency relief fund for international students facing financial hardship as a result of coronavirus.
International students can also find information useful information here: COVID-19 International Student Support and Welfare.
Many universities and other education providers are offering a range of support to students including fee deferrals, deferred studies or payments, food and accommodation support and mental health and other medical support.
All international students are encouraged to stay in touch with their education providers about the range of support which is available to them at this time.
Yarra's Coronavirus (COVID-19) information hub
Please visit our Coronavirus (COVID-19) information hub to find out more about how Yarra is supporting residents and businesses during this time.