Financial Assistance
Financial support is available for Hobsons Bay residents and businesses.
There is genuine and discreet support for residents and businesses impacted by financial hardship.
If you are suffering severe financial hardship and can provide documented evidence, you may be eligible for a 25% reduction for rates in 2024/25.
If you have arrears you can apply for an interest free repayment plan by visiting Flexipay and entering your details to set up a flexible payment arrangement. You will require a current rates notice to start this process.
Eligible applicants, under special circumstances can apply for a waiver.
If you need to contact the rates team, please email rates@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
Financial Hardship Policy
Council’s
Financial Hardship Policy(PDF, 363KB) aims to support Hobsons Bay residents and businesses impacted by the pandemic. Council is committed to ensuring all members of the Hobsons Bay community have access to the same information.
To support members of our community from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds the Financial Hardship flier has been translated into 15 different languages, please view the PDF documents below. To support members of the community with cognitive impairments or English speakers with low literacy, Council has translated the Financial Hardship flyer into Easy English, please view the word document below.
Where can you get help?
Financial & Consumer Rights Council of Victoria (FCRC) is the peak body for Financial Counsellors in Victoria and can help you find a financial counsellor – visit www.fcrc.org.au for more information.
The National Debt Helpline provides free, confidential counselling for people experiencing financial difficulty - visit www.ndh.org.au or call 1800 007 007 for more information.
Hardship support services in Hobsons Bay and other referral points
There are many organisations in the Hobsons Bay community to support you during challenging situations including financial counselling help, emergency relief, utility relief and support, mental health, older people support services, LGBTIQA+ services, alcohol and other drug support, and legal help. Please view the flyer Hardship Support and other referral points(PDF, 599KB).
Community Connector
If you are having trouble meeting your basic needs, email us at communityconnector@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 179 944 and ask for the Community Connector. Immediate support includes food hampers, cleaning supplies, nappies and pet food. Counselling, employment and training information are also provided as part of the Community Connector program.