How to apply for help

1. Decide what kind of help you need

• Financial assistance grant — cash help for a specific bill or shortfall.
• Essential needs — gift cards/vouchers for food, transport, utilities.
• Crisis — natural disaster, domestic violence, sudden displacement.
• Special program — longer-term stability support (budgeting, counselling).
• Other — if nothing above fits, choose this and tell us your situation.

2. Sign in

You'll create an account at my.credicare.asn.au using your email. You'll get a one-time code in your inbox — no password needed. We do this to keep your application secure and let you track it.

3. Fill in the form

Plain English. Be specific about what's happened and what you need. If a partner referred you, paste their referral code — your membership fee will be waived automatically.

4. Upload documents (optional)

If you have an eviction notice, utility bill, Centrelink statement, or anything else, upload it. Speeds up the decision. We accept PDF, JPG, PNG.

5. Submit

You'll see a status timeline. Most decisions take a few business days. Crisis situations are prioritised.

6. If we approve

Disbursement is automatic for small amounts. Larger grants get a quick committee review. We'll email you when funds/cards/vouchers are sent.

7. If we refuse

We'll tell you why (we have to — s.8.3.c). You can appeal — explain why the decision should be reviewed, and we'll look again.

Documents that often help

• Photo ID (driver licence, passport, Medicare card)
• Centrelink income statement (last 4 weeks)
• Bank statement showing hardship
• The bill or notice you're trying to address
• Your lease, if it's a housing matter

We never ask for your bank password or Centrelink password. Don't share those with anyone.