Emergency Relief

Financial and material aid for struggling families and individuals

CatholicCare, as part of CatholicCare Victoria Tasmania (CCVT), provides Emergency Relief across Greater Melbourne, Geelong and Gippsland.

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What is Emergency Relief?

Emergency Relief provides financial or material aid to assist people experiencing financial hardship resulting from their current life situation or an unexpected crisis event - including the COVID-19 pandemic. 

CatholicCare provides confidential, non-judgemental support to maintain the dignity of individuals and families.

Who can access it? 

Emergency Relief can be accessed by anyone experiencing a financial crisis which has left them unable to pay for necessities such as food.

This support can also be provided to people who are at imminent risk of not being able to pay bills or purchase other necessities.

How can I access support?

While our offices are closed due to COVID-19, you are still able to contact our offices as assessments for Emergency Relief can be conducted over the phone.  

To access Emergency Relief support, we recommend that clients call the branch closest to them one day before the appointment is required. Please check our opening hours below before making an appointment. 

To be able to assess your needs we ask that you please have available some form of identification at the time of your phone assessment.

CatholicCare is able to pay bills online, send vouchers via Express Post, or email e-vouchers.

Fees

There is no charge to access this service.

Locations

Contact your nearest location to learn more or book an appointment. Scroll down for other locations in Ballarat, Bendigo and Tasmania.

Please note: Our Emergency Relief service is not available on weekends.

Search for other Emergency Relief providers 

Other CCVT locations 

To access Emergency Relief at other CCVT locations, please contact the relevant agency to find specific office locations, open times and contact details.

Ballarat - CatholicCare Victoria
Bendigo - CatholicCare Victoria
Tasmania - CatholicCare Tasmania 

More information

We provide referrals to other more intensive supports such as financial counselling, help with mental health wellbeing, loss and grief, and alcohol and other drug support. 

Individuals who access Emergency Relief, and their families, may need these extra supports as a result of an unforeseen or life-changing event such as illness or family violence.

• Support services for individuals
• Support services for families
• Client Rights and Responsibilities

CatholicCare Victoria Tasmania has been funded by the Federal Department of Social Services to provide Emergency Relief services.