Knowing how to get help with bills and how to get out of debt can be overwhelming, but we’re here to offer you hope and help you attack your debt head-on. This article outlines different types of debts and multiple strategies and tips for getting out of debt you can use to squash your bills once and for all.

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The main types of debt you should know about

From medical emergencies to car wrecks, life can toss plenty of unplanned expenses at us. Below are the most common types of debt.

Credit card debt

Too many people aren’t sure how to get help with credit card debt. Credit card debt can also be some of the toughest to pay down. When paying only the monthly minimum, high-interest rates often add years to payment plans, making it nearly impossible to get out of credit card debt. The average indebted household can speak to this, as their credit card debt is $8,701, according to Credit Summit.

Student loan debt

Discharging student loan debt is nearly impossible for most borrowers. Even after declaring bankruptcy, you are required to prove “undue hardship” to a judge in order to make your student loans disappear.

For more resources on how to get out of student loan debt and paying for school, take a look at these related blog posts:

• Crowdfunding Student Loans to Pay Off Debt
• How to Pay for Medical School Without Living in Debt
• How to Pay for Grad School: Master’s Degree Funding

Medical debt

The truth about medical bankruptcy isn’t pretty. According to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 46% of insured adults struggle to afford their out-of-pocket health care costs. A single accident or illness can leave people looking for financial help for out of pocket medical expenses for years afterward. This can make it extremely difficult to get out of medical debt.

4 steps for making a plan to conquer debt

Every successful goal starts with a plan. Thankfully, there are multiple resources available that show you how to get out of debt and create a budget for the first time. If you’ve ever wondered exactly how to get rid of debt but didn’t know where to start, we have four initial steps to help you get started.

1. Determine how much debt you have

The best way to get out of debt is to compile all of your bills, look at all of your accounts, jot down interest rates, and list everything in a spreadsheet. Knowing the balance amount of how much debt you owe is half the battle.

2. Figure out what you should pay first

It makes sense to start paying the debt with the highest interest rate first. But if this will take you years to do, paying off a smaller debt much faster might give you the motivation to keep going. Try exploring different tools such as a credit card calculator that will tell you how long it will take to pay off your credit cards, like this one from Time. Reducing the sheer number of creditors you owe will make finding help getting out of debt a significantly easier task.

3. Layout your budget and track spending

A good budget is everything when learning how to get out of debt and coming up with extra money. Actually sticking to that budget is even more critical. These finance tips can help:

• Pad your budget to account for extra expenses and things that inevitably crop up during the month.
• Use a budget website or apps like Mint or YNAB to keep you on track.
• Try the debt snowball method. Once you pay off one debt, roll that money over into the next debt you want to pay off.

4. Cut out the extras

It’s easy to forget all the online services you’ve subscribed to, so do a deep dive and unsubscribe from anything that isn’t a necessity. Do you really need to buy Netflix, HBO, or that monthly organic food subscription box? If you cut out these services, you’ll likely find that you’re saving more cash than you realized. Without these extras eating into your budget, you’ll be able to get out of debt fast.

3 debt relief options to explore

Getting out of debt for medical expenses, student loans, or credit cards isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to face your debt alone. Here are three ways to help you find out how to get out of debt fast.

1. Loan consolidation

If you have multiple loans to pay every month and some or all of them have high-interest rates, you might consider looking into loan consolidation. When consolidating loans, a lender issues a single personal loan, typically with lower interest rates. The NerdWallet site offers resources on different loan consolidation options. Be sure to check your new loan policy to make sure your interest rate will remain low and won’t increase over the life of your loan.

2. Credit counseling and debt relief services

If you’re wondering exactly how to get out of debt, credit counseling, and debt relief services might be a good jumping-off point. Just be careful about which credit counseling or debt relief services you use, because not all of them are reputable and they may sell services that put you further into debt. The Federal Trade Commission offers helpful tips to avoid scams so you don’t end up doing business with a company you’d rather avoid.

3. Crowdfunding

People have found that crowdfunding is a fast way to tackle their debt when unexpected circumstances set them back financially. Through GoFundMe, you can easily reach out to friends and family members to get back on your feet and get out of debt. To help you get started, check out these simple fundraising ideas. Once you start the hard work of paying down your debt, you’ll be able to set aside part of your income to start to save money for the future.

Every situation is worthy enough for crowdfunding, and people from around the world use GoFundMe for causes both large and small. It’s important to remember that nearly everyone experiences a time in their life when they have to deal with some kind of financial hardship. Your own experience might serve as a reminder to people that everyone deserves to receive help during tough times.

GoFundMe success stories of people facing debt

These are just a few folks who were able to meet their fundraising goals through GoFundMe when they experienced a financial setback:

HOLDING ON TO MY HOME

Charles experienced a string of unfortunate events after leaving his job due to health issues. He had an incredibly difficult time finding another job, so he decided to complete his B.A. and M.A. as well as some other training courses specific to his career. Unable to make mortgage payments, Charles fell into foreclosure and more credit card debt.

“Hardship is a part of living – we all experience it. I am thankful to those who’ve known my story and have given me support.“

Charles wasn’t sure how to get financial help, but then he discovered GoFundMe. His family and friends rallied around him, donating over $20,000 to help him offset foreclosure costs and get back on his feet.

SECRETS STOLEN TRAILER

The members of San Diego based rock band SECRETS encountered a major setback in their musical career a few years ago. While wrapping up a tour, their trailer containing every piece of their musical equipment was stolen, preventing them from recording their fourth studio album.

“Without you, this band would not be here today.”

To keep their music dreams alive, the band members borrowed money and used their own credit cards—leaving them struggling financially years later. To get back on their feet, the band started a GoFundMe and raised over $5,000.

Feel empowered to tell your story and eliminate your debt

Thousands of people start fundraisers on GoFundMe every single day so they can conquer their debt and the stress that goes along with it. You can find emergency financial assistance, too. If you’re one of the thousands of people who search “how do I get out of debt,” take the next step in your journey. Learn how to get rid of debt and sign up to start fundraising today.

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The post How to Get Out of Debt in 4 Easy Steps appeared first on GoFundMe (AU).

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According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, this includes people whose living arrangement:

• is in a dwelling that is inadequate.
• has no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short and not extendable.
• does not allow them to have control of, and access to space for social relations.

On a recent Census night, they recorded that more than 122,000 people in Australia experienced homelessness, an increase of 5.2% from 2016.

Homelessness can affect anyone, but In Australia, a significant portion of the homeless population includes children and young people between 12 and 24 (23%) and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people (20%). Older women experiencing homelessness has also risen, increasing by 7% in the last five years.

Homelessness in Australia continues to be a major issue and more needs to be done to support those in need of shelter. Fortunately, if you want to help the homeless community, you’ve come to the right place. 

Let’s look at some of the most effective ways to make a difference. 

Ways to help homelessness in Australia 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics found that the rate of homelessness increased to 48 per 10,000 in 2021, from 45 in 2006. This alarming statistic reveals the worsening trend of rising homelessness in Australia, which means the support of generous Aussies is more important than ever before.

Here’s how you can help.

Volunteer your time 

Volunteering is an excellent way to help reduce homelessness and strengthen communities across Australia. By generously donating your energy and time, you can use your skills and knowledge to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Voluntary roles to help the homeless could include:

• Working at homeless shelters.
• Serving meals or distributing food.
• Teaching practical skills.
• Working in charity shops.
• Helping with temporary housing programs.
• Participating in a community outreach initiative.
• Supporting educational programs or workshops.

Here are some of the organisations in Australia that welcome volunteers:

• Australian Red Cross
• Mission Australia
• Orange Sky
• We Are Mobilise
• Will 2 Live
• Youth Off The Streets

Not only does volunteering help you to improve self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing in others, but you’ll also benefit from a sense of purpose and achievement.

Stop for a chat

Homelessness can be an isolating and alienating experience. Often it’s the simple things in life that mean the most and a friendly chat could massively improve someone’s day. 

It might not seem like much, but stopping to ask someone who’s homeless how they are and keep them company for a while is a great gesture. You could even offer to buy them a warm drink or some food.

Donate essential supplies to your local homeless shelter 

Homeless shelters always need help sourcing basic supplies, so why donate some essentials to your local shelter? Mission Australia offers a service directory to help locate a good local cause. Simply find a homeless shelter close to you and get in touch for more information on what items they need.

Some basic supplies a homeless shelter may need include:

• Clothing
• Food
• Toiletries
• Sleeping bags/blankets

You can also donate new sanitary and period products. Women made up 44.1% of homeless people in Australia in 2021, which was an increase of 10.1% from 2016. 

Check out the amazing work being done by Share the Dignity, who distribute hundreds of thousands of period products to vulnerable Australian women. 

Create an online fundraiser

In our digital world, an increasingly popular way of helping the homeless is to start an online fundraiser. Crowdfunding empowers people to come together and financially support a cause they care about, using social media and the internet to reach a huge amount of potential donors.

To help the homeless with an online fundraiser, simply follow these steps:

1. Choose a cause close to your heart that tackles homelessness in Australia. 
2. Create your fundraiser using a reputable online platform and tell your story. The right crowdfunding platform should champion trust and safety, offer advanced tools and share proven fundraising tips.
3. Share your fundraiser via social media, emails, at work/school and with family and friends. Try to target as many different networks as possible.
4. Start accepting donations and monitor the progress of your fundraiser.
5. Keep everyone in the loop with regular fundraiser updates and reminders to donate.
6. Send donations directly to your beneficiary.

Also, make sure you send thank you messages to make each donor feel appreciated. Not only is recognising someone who does a good deed respectful, but it also helps long-term relations should you wish to make your homelessness fundraiser annual.

Financial donation to a homeless charity

For those who want to make a valid contribution to ending homelessness but are short on time, sending a donation to a well-established charity is an excellent option. 

Whether you want to support a charity that helps homeless people on a local, national or international scale, there are hundreds of worthy causes out there.

Here are some notable charities that help the homeless in Australia:

• Australian Red Cross
• End Street Sleeping
• The Footpath Library
• The Foyer Foundation
• Kids Under Cover
• Lighthouse Foundation
• Mission Australia
• Orange Sky
• StreetSmart Australia
• Will 2 Live
• We Are Mobilise
• Youth Off The Streets

Help someone find shelter

In Australia, several organisations provide food, housing and accommodation for people who are homeless. If you see someone who is in need, then you might be able to support them with finding shelter should they be unable to do so themselves.

Here are some organisations that can help:

• AskIzzy: Free and anonymous website to search for housing, food, health care and legal help.
• Australian Red Cross: Helps people look for suitable shelter. Also gives meals to people with low incomes or housing problems.
• Homelessness Australia: Helps those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.
• Mission Australia: Manages community housing across Australia and can help people look for a home.
• The Salvation Army: Assists people across Australia in finding housing and support services.

Ready to be a part of the solution?

In 2022-23, 274,000 people were assisted by specialist homelessness services in Australia, but there is still so much more work to be done to help the homeless across all six states. 

If you want to help make a difference in the lives of vulnerable Aussies, the best method for doing so is to start fundraising using GoFundMe. With our easy-to-use online platform, you can simplify the fundraising process and create an even bigger impact.

Our trusted and reliable fundraising platform ensures all of the donations you receive will go straight to those who need it most – contributing to the end of homelessness in Australia.

Join thousands of Australians by using the world’s #1 crowdfunding platform today.

The post Helping homelessness in Australia appeared first on GoFundMe (AU).

As the demand for food relief continues to soar, the importance of fundraising to support nonprofits that run food banks in Australia has never been greater.

In this article, we explore how to support food banks, from monetary donations to volunteering, so you can help to make a difference in the lives of millions of vulnerable Aussies. 

What are food banks and why do they need help?

Food banks provide emergency food to people in crisis. The cost of living, extreme weather conditions, health reasons, and several other factors all contribute to food hunger in Australia. Every day, thousands of people across the country go hungry for many reasons, which makes them reliant on the services that food banks provide. 

Fortunately, food banks are able to offer a lifeline to those in need, and the nonprofits that operate them do an incredible job of supporting vulnerable people. Not only do food banks provide life-saving food supplies, but they also help to prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown, and mental health problems.

However, in order to fulfil its valuable role within the community, a food bank relies on the kindness of donors and volunteers to support it. This means being involved in the process of receiving non-perishable, in-date food that’s donated by the public before being distributed to those in need, getting food supplies to worthy recipients while redistributing surplus food and reducing waste.

Now more than ever food banks are looking for support in Australia, with Foodbank Australia indicating they need 50% more food to provide enough for all the people seeking assistance. This is why food bank donations and voluntary support are so important.

How many people use food banks?

Everyone should have access to good quality food in Australia, but sadly this isn’t the reality. Foodbank Australia currently provides food relief to 2,844 frontline charities and 3,379 school breakfast programs, and last year they sourced enough food for 92 million meals. 

The fact that this represents only half of those who need food in Australia shows just how bad the current situation is and shines a light on the task that lies ahead for food bank organisations.

As food insecurity is a big problem, food bank nonprofits rely on the generosity of individuals, businesses, community organisations, schools, and all levels of government for support.

Three Australian food bank organisations

However, not all hope is lost in tackling food shortages in Australia and ensuring everyone has enough grub to feed themselves and their families. Fortunately, there are several food bank organisations leading the way in the fight against hunger. 

Here, we take a look at some of the nonprofits helping to make a difference.

Foodbank

Foodbank is the largest hunger relief charity in Australia. As the self-proclaimed food pantry to the charity sector, they link surplus food and groceries to people in need, ensuring all Aussies have access to good food no matter their situation. 

They work with farmers and growers, manufacturers and suppliers, wholesalers and retailers, charity partners, schools, and transport services to provide food to individuals, charities, and students across the country.

For every kilogram of food distributed by the organisation, the social return on investment is valued at $23. This means the impact of their work in the community is worth almost $1 billion annually.

Second Bite 

SecondBite is a food charity and rescue organisation committed to rescuing surplus food for Australian charities, community groups, and food banks across the country. In 2023, they rescued 25.2 million kilograms of food to provide more than 50 million meals. This means that for every dollar donated, they were able to distribute enough food for up to five meals.

By ensuring that good food destined for landfills reaches people facing hunger and food insecurity, they’re able to address critical social, environmental, and economic challenges. 

Their founders, Ian and Simone Carson, believe all Australians should have access to healthy food no matter where they live or what their circumstances are.

Oz Harvest

Founded by Ronni Kahn in 2004, OzHarvest has quickly grown to become one of Australia’s leading food rescue organisations. They save surplus food from ending up in landfill and deliver it to charities that help feed people in need. They are committed to their aim of halving food waste by 2030, inspiring and influencing others along the way through education.

OzHarvest collects good quality surplus food from their 2,610-strong network of donors, including supermarkets, cafes, hotels, restaurants, and more. This is then delivered to over 1,500 charities across Australia.

Since its humble beginnings, the organisation has gone on to provide 250 million meals to vulnerable people around the country.

Ways to support food banks

Are you keen to make a difference and support a worthy cause? There are many ways you can help, whether that’s financially or by donating food to a charity of your choice. 

Here, we look at the best options available to you, so you can help address food insecurity in Australia.

Food donations

One method of dealing directly with food banks is food donations. All kinds of food and groceries are accepted, but if you want to play it safe then you can’t go wrong with non-perishable, in-date food. Personal hygiene and household items are also sometimes welcomed. 

In general, here are some of the foodstuffs that are needed:

• Bottled water
• Tinned food and meals
• Noodles, pasta, and rice
• Long life milk
• Muesli bars and snacks
• Deodorant, soap, and body wash
• Shampoo, conditioner, and sanitary items
• Baby wipes and nappies
• Baby food and formula
• Dishwashing liquid and detergent
• Pet food

Monetary donations

Most food banks will also accept monetary donations that go towards providing meals. For example, Foodbank Australia creates two meals for every $1 that’s donated. Any money you generously donate is used to help provide pantry essentials, fresh fruit and vegetables, and nutritious meals for hungry families.

If you want to help but don’t necessarily have the time for the other options we’ve listed, then this is your best choice.

Volunteering

As is the case with all charitable organisations, food banks wouldn’t be able to operate without the help of volunteers. 

By volunteering, you can expect to help out in the following ways:

• Packing orders of food and grocery items 
• Delivering hampers to those in need
• Distributing fresh food at pop-up markets
• Assisting with important office duties and admin
• Educating people about food banks and the benefits of donating

Without volunteers, those in need will go hungry, so this is a great way of playing an integral role in feeding vulnerable people. 

Fundraising

Finally, one of the best ways to support food banks is to fundraise. By creating a fundraiser with GoFundMe, you can smash your fundraising goals and make an incredible contribution to a food bank organisation of your choice.

It’s completely free to set up a fundraiser using GoFundMe, so you can start raising money and spreading awareness about food banks in just a few clicks. Not only is it easy to get started, but it’s also a secure and safe way to raise vital funds for vulnerable, hungry Australians. 

Check out our top fundraising tips to ensure your fundraiser is a success!

How the GoFundMe community is supporting food banks

Don’t just take our word for it, thousands of Aussies use GoFundMe to raise money for worthy causes, including food banks. Our popular and effective platform allows you to expand the reach of your fundraiser and accept donations of all sizes.

Here are just a few examples of when GoFundMe has played a pivotal role in fundraising for those in need.  

Kids collective fundraiser Aust. Bush Fire Relief

A kids’ collective fundraiser was created using GoFundMe to raise money for the Australian bushfire relief fund, with donations going to Foodbank Australia, Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund, and Wildcare Victoria. 

Members of the public were encouraged to either directly donate or create a fundraising stand/stall in their hometown and make a donation to the amount they raised. $4,355 was raised, surpassing the initial $2,000 goal.

Laudate in the Lounge

Laudate in the Lounge – Foodbank Australia’s charity partner – started a fundraiser to help support the excellent work being done by Foodbank during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing emergency food and essentials to a huge number of Victorians.

In total, $16,046 was raised to help Foodbank Australia get food and essential supplies to people most in need and those required to self-isolate due to COVID-19.

Richo’s Christmas Foodbank Appeal

In 2022, Richard started a GoFundMe page to help Aussies struggling to put food on the table around Christmas time. This was particularly needed that year due to the impact of COVID-19, inflation, and rising interest rates. 

All of the $2,454 he raised went to Foodbank Australia, a cause that’s close to his heart. This meant that fewer people and their families went hungry at Christmas. 

Start a fundraiser in support of food banks

Nobody in Australia should go hungry. If supporting a food bank resonates with you, then why not start a fundraiser with GoFundMe today and make a valuable difference to those in need?

If you want to maximise the amount of money you raise and ensure it all goes to a worthy cause close to your heart, then we’ve got you covered. We’re here to guide you every step of the way in your fundraising journey.

The post How to support food banks in Australia appeared first on GoFundMe (AU).

In the past few weeks we have seen a significant increase in people across the world fundraising to help those in Gaza – often to help them evacuate from conflict zones, and to free the Israeli hostages.

Below you can find guidance and tips if you want to fundraise for those trying to leave Gaza.

Here are responses to frequently asked questions on how to fundraise for relief and evacuation efforts and what may be required during our Trust & Safety verification process. We will review all fundraisers for Gaza, so please note what documents you will need for vetting.

Please be sure to include the following information in your fundraising story – the more transparent your story and detailed your responses, the easier it is for us to review the fundraiser:

1. Who you are

2. Where you’re from

3. The full names of the individuals or organisations you are seeking to support or aid, where they’re located, and your relationship with them

4. How the funds will be spent and how you plan to get them to the beneficiary

Why is my fundraiser ‘frozen’ under review?

In order for us to be allowed to support fundraising including evacuations for those on the ground in Gaza, our banks and payment partners require us to apply additional due diligence, which may result in longer wait times.

Please know our global Trust & Safety team is working 24/7 to review each fundraiser related to this crisis, to protect your generosity, and provide support as quickly & safely as possible.We are committed to empowering people to help each other wherever we can. 

While fundraiser withdrawals are frozen, the public can still donate.

What details do I need to provide to help the fundraiser review process?

To speed up the review process, we recommend you include the following details in your fundraiser description:

• All cities where funds and assistance are being sent. Specificity is important here — please include the name of the city, town, or village. We cannot accept generally stated regions or territories, or vague and undefined groups of people.
• Clearly detail the purpose of the fundraiser and how the funds will be used. This can include, but is not limited to, humanitarian aid for civilians, a registered charity for medical supplies, or clothing and food for displaced persons.
• If you are distributing funds to an organisation after withdrawing to your bank account, you must list the organisation’s name on your fundraiser and you will be expected to agree, in writing, that you will transfer funds to that organisation and that the funds will only be used for humanitarian purposes.
  

Why do you need my documentation?

As part of our review process to distribute the funds raised, we may need to gather additional documentation to verify your identity or the identity of the recipient, as well as plans to distribute funds. We know getting money to people as quickly as possible is important, however, this is necessary to meet payment processor requirements and help ensure the fundraiser is compliant with our Terms of Service. The information you share is only required for internal GoFundMe verification purposes and will be used in compliance with our Privacy Policy: https://www.gofundme.com/privacy

Why can’t I get my funds immediately?

We are required to verify the identity of anyone raising the funds, the intended recipients, as well as the reason for raising funds to ensure it is in accordance with applicable laws. As part of this process, it may take some time while we work with you to complete required reviews. Once this is done funds will be transferred as quickly as possible. 

Why haven’t I heard from you yet?

Our Trust & Safety team will communicate with you through the email address you used to set up your GoFundMe account and fundraiser. Please be sure to monitor the email address for any important updates or notifications from our team that impact your ability to continue fundraising. If you are not receiving notifications from our GoFundMe team, please check your spam mail folder.

Please remember fundraising is not allowed for:

• Any support for armed conflict, regardless of the country, which includes funding weapons, any supplies to soldiers, territorial defense forces and more.
• Travel to any location to support military or territorial defense, except as required by a national government.
• Any fundraisers in violation of our Terms of Service and our processing partners’ terms of service.

In instances of removal because we are unable to support a fundraiser moving forward, donors will be refunded.  

GoFundMe doesn’t charge fundraiser organisers any fees to set up or run a fundraiser on the platform. The only fee on GoFundMe is a standard transaction fee of 2.9% + 25p per donation. That fee primarily goes to our industry-leading payments processors who play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and secure flow of funds, as they do for businesses worldwide that run on credit card and debit payments. Should a fundraiser need to be removed, a full refund will be issued to all donors. Learn more about pricing here.

The post How to fundraise to evacuate civilians from Gaza appeared first on GoFundMe (AU).

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there are 1.2 million one-parent families in the country, with 77% of those being single mothers. Worryingly, as the cost of raising a child continues to increase, a report released in 2025 found that 31% of those sole-parent households were living below the poverty line.

With parents having to make their money stretch further during a cost-of-living crisis, financial assistance for single mothers and fathers has become vital. Let’s take a look at some of the main resources and grants that offer help for single parents in Australia.

Government resources for single parents in Australia

There are several support mechanisms from the Australian government that can provide financial help for single parents.

Family Tax Benefit

The Family Tax Benefit helps Australian families, up to a certain income level, with the costs of raising children. It is divided into two parts. Part A is paid per child, and Part B is paid per family. 

• Part A amount as of February 2026:
  • Base fortnightly: $72.94.
  • Maximum rate for children between 13 and 19 (children aged between 16 and 19 must meet study requirements): $295.82.
  • Maximum rate for children under 13: $227.36.
• Part B amount as of February 2026:
  • Base fortnightly: $193.34 if your youngest child is between 0 and 4, and $134.96 if your youngest child is between 5 and 18.

Check Eligibility

 To qualify for this two-part payment, you will need to:

• have a dependent child or full-time secondary student aged 16 to 19 who isn’t getting a pension, payment or benefit like Youth Allowance.
• care for the child for at least 35% of the time.
• meet an income test.

Read the full conditions for eligibility here.

How to Claim

Access Centrelink online by selecting Apply for Family Assistance Payments (including Paid Parental Leave) on the website. You’ll need to provide supporting documentation. Bank account and TFN details must be provided within 28 days. Other documents will need to be provided within 14 days. Once approved, you can choose whether to receive your payments fortnightly or as a lump sum after the end of the financial year.

Child Care Subsidy

The Child Care Subsidy (CSS) offers financial assistance for single mothers and fathers who need help with the cost of child care. 

• Amount as of February 2026: CSS is paid as a percentage of the hourly rate charged by your provider. The maximum you can receive is $12.81 to $39.80, depending on day-care services and whether the child is below or above school age.

Check Eligibility

To get CSS you must:

• care for a child 13 or younger who’s not attending secondary school, unless an exemption applies.
• use an approved child care service.
• be responsible for paying the child care fees.
• meet residence and immunisation requirements.

Read the full conditions for eligibility here.

How to Claim

You can claim the Child Care Subsidy using Centrelink online by selecting Apply for Family Assistance Payments (including Paid Parental Leave) on the website. You’ll need to provide supporting documentation. Be sure to keep Centrelink informed of any changes, such as income, relationship status, and your chosen child care service. However, you don’t need to inform Centrelink if you increase your days with the same child care service, or you change the days you use. Additionally, your child must attend child care at least once in the first 26 weeks after your CCS payment begins.

Parenting Payment 

The Parenting Payment Single (PPS) is an income support payment available to single parents and other principal carers who have sole or primary responsibility for the care of a young child. 

• Amount as of February 2026: The maximum fortnightly payment is between $726.60 and $998.20, depending on partner status.

Check Eligibility

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• be under the income and asset test limits.
• meet principal carer rules for a child under 14 if you’re single, or under 6 if you have a partner.
• meet residence rules.
• your partner is not currently getting Parenting Payment.

Read the full conditions for eligibility here.

How to Claim

You can claim the Parenting Payment using Centrelink online by selecting Apply for Parenting Payment under Families or Job Seekers.You’ll need to provide supporting documentation. As part of the claimant process, you will also be assessed for Rent Assistance and the Energy Supplement. It may take longer to receive your payment once your claim is approved if you have recently received a lump sum.

JobSeeker Payment – Principal Carer

The JobSeeker Payment is available for the main care provider of a dependent child under 16 who needs support finding a job. You need to be responsible for the day-to-day care, welfare, and development of the child. To get the payment, there are tasks and activities you must agree to do.

• Amount as of February 2026: The maximum amounts you can receive are $849.90 to $1,027.70 depending on your situation.

Check Eligibility

To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

• Aged between 22 and Age Pension age.
• meet residence rules.
• meet the income and assets tests.

And one of the following:

• unemployed and looking for work.
• sick or injured and can’t do your usual work or study for a short time.

How to Claim

You can claim JobSeeker using Centrelink online by going to Make a Claim and selectingApply for JobSeeker Payment.You’ll need to provide supporting documentation. As part of the claimant process, you will also be assessed for Rent Assistance and the Energy Supplement. Depending on your savings and other factors you may be subject to a waiting period before receiving your payment.

Additional government financial help available in Australia

Depending on your personal situation, you may be eligible for other payments or benefits from the Australian Government. While they’re not necessarily specific to raising children, they could provide financial help for single parents in other areas of their lives to make paying bills easier and day-to-day living more affordable.

• Disability Support Pension: Financial help for someone who has a physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that is likely to persist for more than two years and stop them from working.
• Carer Payment: Available to those who give constant care to someone with a disability or medical condition, or an adult who’s frail.
• Pharmaceutical Allowance: A regular extra payment to help with medicine costs if you already get certain payments (including PPS).
• Telephone Allowance: A quarterly payment to help with phone and internet costs if you already get certain payments (including PPS).
• Education Entry Payment: A once-a-year payment made when you start studying and already get certain payments (including PPS).
• Pensioner Education Supplement: A regular extra payment to help with study costs if you already get certain payments (including PPS).
• Mobility Allowance: A payment to help with travel costs for work, study or looking for work if you have a disability, illness or injury that means you can’t use public transport.
• Remote Area Allowance: A regular extra payment if you live in a remote area and already get certain payments (including PPS).

Remember, there will always be a strict set of criteria for eligibility, so it’s important to review all of the qualifications and exemptions for each payment to see if you qualify.

For more information, Services Australia provides help for single parents in Australia, and guidance on raising kids and all of the payments and services available.

How crowdfunding can provide financial assistance for single mothers and fathers

We know you often face incredible odds and difficult challenges as a single parent – dealing with everything from minor medical emergencies to serious medical bills, financial problems or employment crises. 

If it’s tough to find support for these challenges through government support, crowdfunding can reduce those financial pressures and provide much-needed financial relief. With no upfront fees, anonymity options and safety features, GoFundMe can be a great way to reach out to a broader community, providing extra help alongside government payments and community support.

One single mother was able to raise just over $24,000 to cover the costs of experimental Alzheimer’s treatment, giving her more time with her daughter.

With crowdfunding on GoFundMe, it’s about telling the story of your fundraiser in a way that compels people to support your cause. Plus, it allows donors to help your family in a very clear, specific and positive way. 

Different support options for single parents

Single parents don’t have to navigate financial challenges alone. Here are some of the key places where you can find assistance:

1. Get community support: Charities and not-for-profit assistance 

Community support is available in the form of funds, counselling, advocacy, and peer support from a wide range of social services. Large not-for-profits have obligations under the Privacy Act, and smaller ones will generally follow the same principles. So, you can access these services privately whenever you need them.

• Council of Single Mothers and their Children: Based in Melbourne, the Council of Single Mothers and their Children offers wide-ranging support for single-mother families.
• Relationships Australia: Relationships Australia aims to help Australians cultivate better relationships and social connections of all kinds. 
• Vinnies: Vinnies offers both ongoing and emergency support for everything from financial stress to disaster recovery support. 
• Men’s Resource Centre: Located in Coffs Harbour, Men’s Resource Centre offers support for men, including multi-step self-help programs, mental health support, and free breakfast and lunch three times a week.

2. Get support for healthcare and medical expenses

Healthcare and medical expense support is available from government services and not-for-profits. Recent changes have given Medicare cardholders more access to bulk-billed services. You can help reduce expenses by:

• Looking for providers offering bulk-billing that covers GP consultations, chronic condition management, mental health plans, and preventative health assessments. 
• Getting a Healthcare and Pensioner Concession Card, if eligible. Holders can access GP visits and prescriptions, as well as dental, optical, and hearing services, for free or at subsidised rates. 
• Make use of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which subsidises the cost of prescriptions (especially generic brands). 
• If you need extra help covering out-of-pocket medical expenses, you can access assistance from charities like the Red Cross or speak with your provider about payment plans.

3. Get support for housing assistance and utility bill

Housing is often a major financial pressure for single parents. Help is available in the form of rental assistance, public housing, emergency accommodation, utility concessions, and bond loans. Some Centrelink payments will include Rent Assistance automatically, if relevant. Programs can differ between states. If you need help with utility bills, ask about payment plans or hardship programs they may offer. Gather your documentation in advance so that you have all the necessary information at hand. And don’t feel like you have to wait until you’re unable to make a payment; apply early to minimise financial stresses.

How to manage your finances and build financial stability as a single parent

Gaining greater confidence and control of your finances via budgeting can help make a difference. Free financial services are available from providers like Financial Counselling Australia and ASIC MoneySmart. Just remember, small steps lead to financial stability. Starting points include figuring out which of your bills are most important and always paying them first, and speaking to providers and creditors to see if you can negotiate or organise payment plans.

Fundraising plays a key role in a layered approach to finances that includes government payments, grants, community support, budgeting, and emergency relief. Start by seeking out and applying for any government payments you’re eligible for. Then, explore extra grants and support where necessary.

Why GoFundMe?

We have become a trusted leader in online fundraising since 2010. In Australia, there’s no fee to start or manage your fundraiser on GoFundMe. 

With us, you’re also covered by the first and only donor protection guarantee: the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. 

Single parents use GoFundMe every day for financial help – raising money for university fees, extracurricular programs, educational travel, medical bills, and more. We’re here to help. Along with this article, we have many more resources with information about financial assistance for single mothers and fathers on our blog. Start your fundraiser journey today and move one step closer to a financial lifeline for your family.

The post Financial help for single parents in Australia: Resources and grants appeared first on GoFundMe (AU).