Tasmania Benefits Guide
Explore important support options available in Tasmania, including food relief services, health care assistance, housing and rental support, emergency financial help, energy concessions, cost-of-living programs, and community support for eligible residents across the state.
Food Assistance Overview (Tasmania)
The rising cost of living has placed pressure on many households across Tasmania (TAS), making it difficult for some families and individuals to afford groceries regularly. If you are struggling with food access, numerous community food relief services operate throughout the state to provide support.
Tasmania’s food relief network includes food charities, neighbourhood houses, church groups, council-supported services, and volunteer-led community programs. These organisations help low-income families, seniors, migrants, students, and anyone facing temporary financial hardship. Depending on location, available support may include:
- Emergency food hampers and grocery parcels for immediate needs
- Low-cost food cooperatives and community pantries
- Community meal programs offering free or low-cost cooked meals
- Support workers who can provide referrals to financial, housing, or wellbeing services when needed
🍞 Major Food Assistance Providers in Tasmania (TAS)
1. Foodbank Tasmania
Foodbank Tasmania supplies food to community organisations, neighbourhood houses,
school breakfast programs, and emergency food relief providers across Hobart, Launceston,
Burnie, and regional areas.
- Website: Foodbank Tasmania
- Info: Find local Foodbank partner outlets and low-cost groceries.
2. Loaves and Fishes Tasmania
One of Tasmania’s largest food relief organisations providing free cooked meals,
emergency hampers, and food deliveries to over 300 community partners statewide.
- Website: Loaves & Fishes TAS
- Info: View meal programs, hamper locations, and support services.
3. The Salvation Army – Tasmania
Provides emergency food parcels, vouchers, pantry items, and crisis support to individuals
and families across Hobart, Glenorchy, Launceston, Devonport, and regional communities.
- Website: Salvation Army Tasmania
- Info: Search for the nearest Salvos Connect centre in Tasmania.
🍏 St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies Tasmania)
Vinnies offers emergency food assistance, vouchers, crisis support, and community outreach
programs across Tasmania's cities and regional areas.
- Website: Vinnies Tasmania
- Info: Find your local Tasmanian Vinnies support centre.
🏘 Local Councils & Neighbourhood Houses (TAS)
Many Tasmanian councils and neighbourhood houses provide community food support, including:
- Emergency food parcels & grocery assistance
- Community lunches & low-cost meal programs
- Pantry and food co-op access
- Drop-in support & wellbeing services
- Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania (NH Tasmania)
- Hobart City Council – Community Support
- Launceston, Devonport & Burnie community centres
🟦 Who Can Receive Food Support in Tasmania?
Assistance is available for people experiencing:
- Financial stress or cost-of-living pressures
- Low income or lost employment
- Crisis or unexpected emergencies
- Health or disability-related challenges
- Difficulty affording groceries or meals
📍 Find Food Help Near You
These tools make it easy to find nearby support:
- Ask Izzy – Food Directory (TAS)
- Google search: “food relief near me Tasmania”
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Government of Tasmania, Centrelink, or any food relief agency. Always check with official providers for the latest updates.
Medical & Health Assistance in Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania provides a wide range of public health, community care, and subsidised medical services for residents through Tasmanian Health Service (THS) and partner organisations. Support is available across Hobart, Launceston, the North-West, and regional communities.
Everyday healthcare in Tasmania is supported by Medicare, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), bulk-billing clinics, and public hospitals. THS delivers emergency care, mental health support, maternity services, community health centres, and regional outreach programs for remote areas.
Common types of health assistance available in Tasmania include:
- Bulk-billed or low-fee GP clinics across all major regions
- Subsidised medicines through PBS and concession pricing
- Public hospital care in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie & regional TAS
- Mental health, alcohol & drug support through statewide THS services
- Community health centres providing nursing, allied health & chronic condition support
- 24/7 health helplines, telehealth options & specialist referrals
Eligible residents may also access concession-based health support, travel assistance for medical appointments (PTAS), dental services through public dental clinics, and support programs for seniors, carers, and people with disabilities.
🩻 Medicare – Australia’s Public Health System
Medicare Overview
Medicare provides free and subsidised healthcare for eligible Tasmania (TAS) residents. It helps pay for GP visits, diagnostic tests, X-rays, public hospital treatment and many other essential health services.
When a doctor or clinic bulk bills, Medicare covers the full cost of the consultation, so you normally do not pay anything out of pocket for that appointment.
Who Can Access Medicare?
- Australian citizens and permanent residents
- New Zealand citizens who live in Australia
- People covered under a reciprocal health care agreement
Learn more: Medicare – Services Australia
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
The PBS keeps many prescription medicines more affordable for Tasmanians by subsidising part of the medicine cost at pharmacies.
How PBS Works
- You pay a set co-payment amount for PBS-listed medicines.
- The Australian Government pays the remaining approved cost.
- The PBS Safety Net can reduce prices further once you reach an annual limit.
More details: Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
Tasmania Public Hospitals & Health Services
The Tasmanian Health Service (THS) manages public hospitals, emergency care, outpatient clinics and community health services across Tasmania. Major hospitals include Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, North West Regional Hospital and Mersey Community Hospital.
- Public hospital emergency departments and inpatient care
- Surgery, specialist outpatient clinics & allied health
- Community health centres and outreach services in rural areas
- Mental health, alcohol and other drug support programs
Find Tasmanian hospitals & services:
Tasmanian Health Service – Hospitals & Services
💳 Health Concessions & Support Cards (TAS)
Tasmanians may qualify for concession cards that reduce medical, prescription and everyday living costs.
-
Health Care Card – cheaper PBS medicines and some discounts on services.
Health Care Card -
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card – concessions for eligible older Australians.
Seniors Health Card -
Low Income Health Care Card – support with medicine and health costs for people on low incomes.
Low Income Health Care Card
🏥 Free & Community Health Clinics (TAS)
Many Tasmanian residents can access free or low-cost care through community-based services, such as:
- Community health centres and local THS clinics
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations
- Bulk-billing GP clinics in Hobart, Launceston and regional towns
- After-hours clinics and some walk-in medical centres
Find TAS health services:
Search health services (Healthdirect)
🚑 Emergency Medical Help
In a medical emergency, call 000 immediately. Public hospitals in Tasmania provide 24/7 emergency department care.
📘 Disclaimer
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder shares general information about medical and public health assistance in Tasmania. We are not connected to Medicare, Services Australia, the Tasmanian Health Service, or any government department. For the most current details, always refer to official government websites.
Housing Assistance in Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania’s rising rental costs and limited housing availability can create challenges for many households. To help residents stay safe and securely housed, Tasmania provides a range of housing, rental, and crisis accommodation support options through both government and community providers.
Housing services are coordinated mainly by Homes Tasmania, along with community housing organisations and local support agencies. Depending on your situation, assistance may include:
- Affordable public and community housing for eligible low-income residents
- Rental assistance programs for private renters under financial pressure
- Crisis accommodation for people experiencing homelessness or family violence
- Support with bonds, rent arrears, or securing long-term housing
- Caseworkers who assist with tenancy issues, budgeting, and referrals
Eligibility varies based on household income, personal circumstances, assets, and urgency of need.
🏠 Major Housing Support Programs in Tasmania (TAS)
Homes Tasmania – Public & Community Housing
Homes Tasmania provides long-term, affordable public housing for Tasmanians experiencing financial hardship, unstable accommodation, or homelessness. Rent is based on income and priority is given to people with urgent or complex needs.
Tasmania also works with community housing providers to deliver safe and affordable rental homes across Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie, and regional towns.
Learn more:
Homes Tasmania – Official Website
Apply for Public or Community Housing (TAS)
Private Rental Assistance (Bond & Rent Support)
Tasmania offers several supports to help eligible households enter or maintain a private rental. These include bond assistance, rent support, and help with starting new tenancies.
- Bond Assistance – helps cover part or all of the rental bond
- Rent Support – short-term help with ongoing rent
- Rapid Rehousing – support for people leaving crisis accommodation
- Help for young people or families entering the private rental market
More information:
Private Rental Assistance – TAS
Affordable Home Ownership Programs (TAS Government)
Tasmania supports pathways to home ownership for low- and moderate-income households through shared equity options, government-supported finance programs, and land-release initiatives.
These programs help reduce upfront costs and make home ownership more achievable for eligible residents.
See programs:
Tasmania Home Ownership Programs
Specialist Homelessness Services (TAS)
Tasmania funds a wide range of services to support people experiencing homelessness, including youth, women escaping violence, older Tasmanians, and people at risk of losing housing.
Find services:
Housing & Homelessness Services Tasmania
💸 Support for Your Current Rental (Tasmania)
If you are struggling to keep up with rent, Tasmania offers services to help tenants stabilise their housing, manage finances, and communicate with landlords.
- Financial counselling for rent or debt stress
- Help negotiating payment plans with landlords
- Support for sudden income loss or crisis situations
- Advice on tenant rights under Tasmanian law
Useful resource:
Tenants Advice – Tasmania
🚨 Emergency & Crisis Accommodation (TAS)
Crisis housing is available for people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or unsafe living arrangements. Services operate in Hobart, Launceston, the North-West region, and rural communities.
- 24/7 homelessness helplines and referral services
- Family violence shelters & safe accommodation
- Youth crisis housing and transitional homes
- Short-term crisis beds and emergency motel options
Find crisis help:
Shelter Tasmania – Find Services
🏦 Commonwealth Rent Assistance (Australia-wide)
People receiving Centrelink payments may be eligible for Rent Assistance, helping reduce the cost of renting in the private market, community housing, or boarding arrangements.
Rent Assistance – Services Australia
🔧 Tenancy Support & Legal Assistance (Tasmania)
Tenants can access help with disputes, rent arrears, eviction prevention, and understanding rental agreements.
- Support resolving tenancy issues or disputes
- Help accessing emergency funding or rental relief
- Assistance for people experiencing violence or needing relocation
- Legal support through community legal centres
Legal Support:
Legal Aid Tasmania
📘 Disclaimer
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder is an independent information resource. We are not affiliated with Homes Tasmania, Shelter Tasmania, Centrelink, Services Australia, or any official agency. Always check official Tasmanian Government sources for the latest updates.
Cash & Financial Support in Tasmania (TAS)
Many people in Tasmania (TAS) experience financial pressure due to rising living costs, limited employment opportunities, health issues, or unexpected emergencies. A mix of Centrelink income payments, Tasmanian Government concessions, and community emergency relief can help eligible residents manage essential expenses.
Ongoing payments are delivered through Centrelink (Services Australia), while the Tasmania Government and community organisations provide additional help such as energy concessions, bill support, food vouchers, and emergency financial relief.
Common types of cash and financial assistance in Tasmania include:
- Centrelink income support for job seekers, parents, carers, students, and seniors
- Commonwealth Rent Assistance for eligible renters in private or community housing
- Tasmanian Concessions for energy, water, vehicle registration, and public transport
- Emergency relief such as food vouchers, bill assistance, or crisis payments from charities
- Short-term support for people facing family violence, homelessness, illness, or financial crisis
The amount of help you can receive depends on your income, family size, living situation, and the severity of your financial hardship.
📋 Main Centrelink Payments for Tasmania Residents
Centrelink provides a wide range of income support payments to eligible people living in Tasmania (TAS). Payments help residents facing unemployment, sickness, caring needs, study commitments, disability, or major life changes. Rules and rates may change, so always confirm through Services Australia.
🟡 JobSeeker Payment
Financial help for Tasmanians who are looking for work, between jobs, or working limited hours. You must be under Age Pension age and meet residency, income, and assets tests.
- Mutual obligations may include job search, appointments, or training.
- Paid fortnightly depending on living situation and income.
JobSeeker Payment – Services Australia
🟣 Parenting Payment
Support for Tasmanian parents or carers who are primary carers of a young child. Payment varies for partnered and single parents.
- Income and asset rules apply.
- Single parents may receive a higher rate.
Parenting Payment – Services Australia
🔵 Age Pension
Main financial support for older Tasmanians who reach Age Pension qualification age and meet residency, income, and asset requirements.
- Age Pension recipients may qualify for Tasmanian Government concessions such as electricity, water, property rates, and transport discounts.
🟢 Disability Support Pension (DSP)
Provides financial support for Tasmanians with a permanent, diagnosed medical condition or disability that significantly reduces work capacity.
- Condition must be fully diagnosed, treated, and stabilised.
- Assessment is based on medical evidence and work capacity rules.
Disability Support Pension – Services Australia
🟡 Youth Allowance (Students & Job Seekers)
Support for Tasmanian young people aged 16–24 who are studying, training, or looking for work.
- Payment rate depends on parental income, your living situation, and your age.
- Study and participation requirements may apply.
Youth Allowance – Services Australia
🟦 Additional Centrelink Payments & Supplements
Tasmanians may also be eligible for:
- Carer Payment / Carer Allowance for daily carers
- Austudy for students aged 25 and over
- ABSTUDY for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students/apprentices
- Special Benefit for people in severe hardship
- Crisis Payment for people facing sudden major events (e.g., family violence)
📝 General Eligibility
- You must be an Australian resident living in Tasmania (or hold an eligible visa).
- You must meet income and asset limits for the payment.
- Identity checks and supporting documents are required.
📘 How to Apply
- Create or sign in to myGov and link Centrelink.
- Submit your claim online and upload supporting documents.
- Track progress via your myGov inbox or app.
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder provides general information for Tasmania residents. We are not affiliated with Services Australia or Centrelink. Eligibility and payment rules may change — always confirm through official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions – Tasmania Food, Housing, Medical & Cash Assistance
What food support services are available in Tasmania?
Tasmanian residents can access free food hampers, low-cost groceries, community meals, supermarket vouchers and emergency food relief. Major providers include Foodbank Tasmania, Loaves and Fishes Tasmania, Vinnies Tasmania, The Salvation Army and local neighbourhood houses.
Where can I find food relief services near me in Tasmania?
You can search Ask Izzy, check the Foodbank Tasmania and Loaves and Fishes Tasmania websites, or visit your local council or neighbourhood house. Many churches and community groups across Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie and regional towns also offer food relief.
Who is eligible for public or community housing in Tasmania?
Public and community housing in Tasmania is managed by Homes Tasmania and community housing providers. To be eligible, applicants generally must:
- Live in Tasmania and meet residency requirements
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold an eligible visa
- Meet income and asset limits
- Provide proof of identity and details of all household members
- Show a genuine need for safe, affordable, longer-term housing
What help is available if I’m struggling to pay rent in Tasmania?
Tasmanian renters may be able to access private rental assistance, bond help, rent support and tenancy advice. If you receive a Centrelink payment, Rent Assistance can also reduce your ongoing rental costs. Community services and financial counsellors can help with budgeting and negotiating payment plans.
What medical services does Medicare cover in Tasmania?
Medicare helps pay for GP visits, specialists, blood tests, scans, some allied health services and treatment as a public patient in Tasmanian public hospitals. Many GP clinics offer bulk-billing, which means you may not have to pay anything for the visit.
Are there low-cost or free health clinics in Tasmania?
Yes. Tasmania has community health centres, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, youth health services, women’s health services and bulk-billing GP clinics. You can use the Healthdirect service finder to search for low-cost or bulk-billing options near you.
What Centrelink payments can Tasmania residents receive?
Tasmanians may be eligible for payments such as JobSeeker Payment, Parenting Payment, Disability Support Pension (DSP), Youth Allowance, Carer Payment, Carer Allowance, Age Pension, Austudy and Family Tax Benefit. Eligibility depends on income, assets, age, living situation and residency.
Can I get emergency or crisis payments in Tasmania?
Centrelink may provide a Crisis Payment if you are experiencing extreme circumstances such as family and domestic violence, homelessness, or release from prison or detention. Charities and community organisations in Tasmania also offer emergency relief for food, bills, fuel and short-term accommodation costs.
How do I apply for Centrelink payments in Tasmania?
Most applications are completed online through myGov by linking your Centrelink account. You can submit claims, upload documents, and check messages in your myGov inbox. If you need help, you can visit a Services Australia service centre or call the relevant Centrelink line.
Does OBenefitFinder decide if I qualify for Tasmanian or federal benefits?
No. OBenefitFinder is an independent informational website and does not assess eligibility, approve applications or make payments. All decisions are made by Services Australia (Centrelink) for income support and by agencies such as Homes Tasmania and other government departments for housing and concessions.