Australian Capital Territory Benefits Guide
Explore key support options available in the Australian Capital Territory, including food assistance, ACT health services, rental and housing support, emergency financial help, utilities concessions, cost-of-living programs, and community support for eligible residents across Canberra and surrounding areas.
Food Assistance Overview (ACT)
The rising cost of living has affected many households across the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), making it difficult for some residents to buy enough groceries. If you are experiencing food insecurity, a wide range of community food relief services operate throughout Canberra and the surrounding areas to help individuals and families in need.
ACT’s food relief network includes community organisations, neighbourhood centres, church groups, charity partners, and volunteer-run programs. These services support low-income households, seniors, migrants, students, people living alone, and anyone facing financial stress. Depending on where you live, available support may include:
- Emergency food hampers and essential grocery parcels
- Low-cost or free community food pantries
- Community meal programs offering hot meals for free or low cost
- Support workers who can offer referrals to housing, financial, and wellbeing assistance
🍞 Major Food Assistance Providers in the ACT
1. Foodbank Canberra (Foodbank ACT)
Foodbank ACT supplies food to community organisations, charities, schools, and
neighbourhood centres across Canberra. They support emergency hampers, school
breakfast programs, and low-cost groceries through partner outlets.
- Website: Foodbank ACT
- Info: Find Foodbank partner outlets across Canberra.
2. Communities@Work – Food Pantry (Canberra)
One of the ACT’s largest community support providers. Offers free and low-cost food
items, emergency hampers, school lunch help, and support referrals for individuals and families.
- Website: Communities@Work Pantry
- Info: Pantry locations in Tuggeranong and Gungahlin.
3. The Salvation Army – Canberra
Provides emergency food parcels, vouchers, pantry items, and crisis support across
Canberra suburbs including Tuggeranong, Belconnen, Civic, and Gungahlin.
- Website: Salvation Army ACT
- Info: Search for the nearest Salvos Connect centre in Canberra.
🍏 St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies ACT)
Vinnies provides emergency food assistance, vouchers, household items, and crisis
support across Canberra and the ACT region.
- Website: Vinnies ACT
- Info: Check local Vinnies centres for food and emergency support.
🏘 Local Community Centres & Neighbourhood Houses (ACT)
Many ACT community centres provide food support, including:
- Emergency food parcels
- Community lunches & meal programs
- Low-cost pantry access
- Referrals to financial & wellbeing support services
- Belconnen Community Service
- Woden Community Service
- Tuggeranong Community Centre
- Yeddung Mura Aboriginal Corporation
🟦 Who Can Receive Food Support in the ACT?
Assistance is available for people experiencing:
- Cost-of-living or financial stress
- Low income or employment loss
- Crisis or emergency situations
- Health or disability-related hardships
- Difficulty affording groceries or meals
📍 Find Food Help Near You
These tools help ACT residents locate nearby food relief:
- Ask Izzy – Food Directory (ACT)
- Google search: “food relief near me Canberra”
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the ACT Government, Centrelink, or any food relief provider. Always confirm details directly with providers.
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 Australian Capital Territory (ACT) residents. It covers GP visits, diagnostic tests, specialist consultations, public hospital care, scans, and other essential health services across Canberra.
When a doctor or clinic bulk bills, Medicare pays the full cost of the consultation, so you generally pay nothing out of pocket.
Who Can Access Medicare?
- Australian citizens and permanent residents
- New Zealand citizens living in Australia
- People under a reciprocal health care agreement
Learn more: Medicare – Services Australia
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
The PBS reduces the price of essential prescription medicines for ACT residents by subsidising a portion of the cost.
How PBS Works
- You pay a fixed co-payment for PBS-listed medicines.
- The Australian Government covers the remaining approved cost.
- The PBS Safety Net lowers medicine costs further after reaching the yearly limit.
More details: Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
ACT Public Hospitals & Health Services
The ACT Health Directorate manages Canberra’s public hospitals and community health services. Major facilities include:
- Canberra Hospital – the main tertiary hospital
- North Canberra Hospital – emergency, inpatient and outpatient care
- Walk-in Centres in Gungahlin, Belconnen, Tuggeranong & Weston Creek
- Specialist clinics, community mental health, and rehabilitation services
Find ACT hospitals & services:
ACT Health – Hospitals & Services
💳 Health Concessions & Support Cards (ACT)
ACT residents may qualify for concession cards that reduce the cost of medicines, medical services, transport, and other everyday expenses.
-
Health Care Card – cheaper PBS medicines & discounts on services.
Health Care Card -
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card – concessions for eligible older people.
Seniors Health Card -
Low Income Health Care Card – assistance with health & prescription costs.
Low Income Health Care Card
🏥 Free & Community Health Clinics (ACT)
ACT residents can access free or low-cost healthcare through government and community clinics, including:
- ACT Government Walk-in Centres (free, no appointment)
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations
- Bulk-billing GP clinics across Canberra
- Mental health support & counselling programs
Find ACT health services:
Search health services (Healthdirect)
🚑 Emergency Medical Help
In a medical emergency, call 000 immediately. Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital operate 24/7 emergency departments.
📘 Disclaimer
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder shares general health information for ACT residents. We are not affiliated with Medicare, Services Australia, ACT Health, or any government agency. Always check official government websites for the most current details.
Housing Assistance in the ACT
Canberra’s growing rental market and rising living costs can make securing safe, stable housing difficult for many residents. To support households in need, the ACT Government and community providers offer a range of housing, rental, and crisis accommodation support services.
Housing and homelessness services in the ACT are coordinated mainly by Housing ACT and supported by various community housing organisations. Depending on your situation, available support may include:
- Access to public and community housing for low-income households
- Private rental support programs for people under financial stress
- Crisis accommodation for those experiencing homelessness or escaping family violence
- Help with bonds, rent arrears, and securing long-term rental housing
- Caseworkers who assist with tenancy issues, budgeting, and housing navigation
Eligibility is based on household income, financial circumstances, assets, and urgency of need.
🏠 Major Housing Support Programs in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Housing ACT – Public & Community Housing
Housing ACT provides long-term, affordable public housing to ACT residents facing financial hardship, unstable accommodation, or homelessness. Rent is based on income, and priority is given to people with urgent or complex needs.
The ACT Government also partners with community housing providers to deliver secure and affordable rental homes across Canberra suburbs including Belconnen, Woden, Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, and the inner north/south.
Learn more:
Housing ACT – Official Website
Apply for Public or Community Housing (ACT)
Private Rental Assistance (Bond & Rent Support)
The ACT offers several supports to help eligible households enter or maintain a private rental, including bond loans, rental support, and help starting new tenancies.
- Bond Loans – interest-free assistance to cover rental bond costs
- Rent Support – short-term help with ongoing rental payments
- Assistance for people leaving crisis accommodation
- Help for young people, families, and vulnerable renters entering the private market
More information:
Private Rental Assistance – ACT
Affordable Home Ownership Programs (ACT Government)
The ACT Government provides pathways to home ownership through affordable purchase schemes, shared equity opportunities, and land release initiatives designed to support low- and moderate-income households.
These programs help reduce deposit costs and make home ownership more achievable for eligible residents.
See programs:
ACT Housing & Land Programs
Specialist Homelessness Services (ACT)
The ACT funds a range of support services for people experiencing homelessness, including family violence support, youth services, older persons programs, and crisis accommodation.
Find services:
Homelessness Services – ACT
💸 Support for Your Current Rental (ACT)
ACT renters experiencing financial stress can access support to stabilise their tenancy, manage rent arrears, or negotiate with landlords.
- Financial counselling for rental or debt pressure
- Help negotiating rent payment plans
- Assistance during sudden loss of income
- Tenant rights advice under ACT tenancy law
Useful resource:
Tenants' Union ACT
🚨 Emergency & Crisis Accommodation (ACT)
Crisis housing is available for people experiencing homelessness, domestic or family violence, or unsafe living situations throughout Canberra.
- 24/7 homelessness hotlines & assessment services
- Family violence crisis shelters and safe houses
- Youth crisis housing & transitional accommodation
- Emergency motel stays and short-term crisis beds
Find crisis help:
Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT
ACT Homelessness Services
🏦 Commonwealth Rent Assistance (Australia-wide)
Centrelink recipients may qualify for Rent Assistance to help reduce the cost of renting in the private, community, or shared housing market.
Rent Assistance – Services Australia
🔧 Tenancy Support & Legal Assistance (ACT)
ACT renters can access free legal and tenancy support services to manage disputes, eviction risks, and rental issues.
- Help resolving tenancy disputes or eviction concerns
- Access to rental relief & emergency funding
- Support for people experiencing violence or needing relocation
- Legal representation through community legal centres
Legal Support:
Legal Aid ACT
📘 Disclaimer
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder is an independent resource and is not affiliated with Housing ACT, the ACT Government, Centrelink, or any community housing provider. Always confirm details using official ACT Government websites.
Cash & Financial Support in the ACT
Many residents in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) face financial pressure due to rising living costs, limited work hours, unexpected emergencies, or ongoing health challenges. A combination of Centrelink income payments, ACT Government concessions, and community emergency relief can help individuals and families manage essential expenses.
Ongoing income support payments are provided through Centrelink (Services Australia), while the ACT Government and community organisations offer additional help such as energy rebates, bill support, food vouchers, and one-off emergency financial relief.
Common types of cash and financial assistance in the ACT include:
- Centrelink income support for job seekers, parents, carers, students, and seniors
- Commonwealth Rent Assistance for eligible renters in private or community housing
- ACT Concessions for energy, water, transport, and household costs
- Emergency relief including food vouchers, bill assistance, crisis payments, and petrol help
- Short-term support for people facing family violence, homelessness, illness, or financial hardship
The level of support available depends on your income, household size, living situation, and the urgency of your financial needs.
📋 Main Centrelink Payments for ACT Residents
Centrelink provides a wide range of income support payments to eligible people living in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Payments help residents facing unemployment, illness, caring duties, disability, study commitments, or major life changes. Policies may change, so always confirm with Services Australia.
🟡 JobSeeker Payment
Financial support for ACT residents who are looking for work, between jobs, or working limited hours. You must be under Age Pension age and meet income, assets, and residency rules.
- Mutual obligations may include job searches, appointments, or training.
- Paid fortnightly depending on income and living situation.
JobSeeker Payment – Services Australia
🟣 Parenting Payment
Support for ACT parents or carers who are the primary caregiver of a young child. Payment rates differ for partnered and single parents.
- Income and asset rules apply.
- Single parents generally receive a higher rate.
Parenting Payment – Services Australia
🔵 Age Pension
Financial support for older ACT residents who meet the Age Pension age and satisfy income, asset, and residency requirements.
- Age Pension recipients may also access ACT Government concessions including utilities rebates, rates help, and transport concessions.
🟢 Disability Support Pension (DSP)
Provides financial support for ACT residents with a permanent, diagnosed disability or medical condition that significantly limits their ability to work.
- The 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 ACT young people aged 16–24 who are studying, training, or looking for work.
- Payment depends on parental income, your living arrangements, and your age.
- Study or participation requirements may apply.
Youth Allowance – Services Australia
🟦 Additional Centrelink Payments & Supplements
ACT residents may also qualify for:
- Carer Payment / Carer Allowance
- Austudy for students aged 25+
- ABSTUDY for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- Special Benefit for people in severe hardship
- Crisis Payment (e.g., family violence, natural disasters)
📝 General Eligibility (ACT)
- You must be an Australian resident living in the ACT (or hold an eligible visa).
- You must meet income and asset limits for the payment.
- You must provide required identity documents and evidence.
📘 How to Apply
- Create or log in to your myGov account.
- Link Centrelink and submit an online claim.
- Upload supporting documents & track updates via myGov.
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder provides general information for ACT residents. We are not affiliated with Services Australia or Centrelink. Rules and rates may change — always verify through official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions – ACT Food, Housing, Medical & Cash Assistance
What food support services are available in the ACT?
ACT residents can access free food hampers, low-cost groceries, community meals, vouchers, and emergency food relief. Major providers include Foodbank Canberra, St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies), The Salvation Army, Red Cross, and local community centres across Canberra suburbs.
Where can I find food relief services near me in the ACT?
You can search Ask Izzy, check the websites of Foodbank Canberra or Vinnies ACT, or visit your local community centre, church, or neighbourhood hub. Food relief is available across Belconnen, Gungahlin, Woden, Tuggeranong, the Inner North and Inner South.
Who is eligible for public or community housing in the ACT?
Public and community housing in the ACT is managed by Housing ACT and community housing providers. To qualify, applicants generally must:
- Live in the ACT and meet residency rules
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold an eligible visa
- Meet income and asset limits
- Provide ID and details for all household members
- Show a genuine need for safe and affordable housing
What help is available if I’m struggling to pay rent in the ACT?
ACT renters may qualify for bond loans, rent support, private rental assistance, and tenancy advice. Centrelink’s Rent Assistance can also help reduce private rental costs. Financial counsellors and community services can help negotiate with landlords or create payment plans.
What medical services does Medicare cover in the ACT?
Medicare covers GP visits, specialists, pathology tests, X-rays, scans, allied health services, and treatment as a public patient at ACT public hospitals such as Canberra Hospital and Calvary Public Hospital Bruce. Many ACT clinics also offer bulk-billing.
Are there low-cost or free health clinics in the ACT?
Yes. The ACT has community health centres, Aboriginal health services, walk-in centres, and bulk-billing GP clinics. You can search Healthdirect for free or low-cost medical care in your suburb.
What Centrelink payments can ACT residents receive?
ACT residents may qualify for payments such as JobSeeker, 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, and residency.
Can I get emergency or crisis payments in the ACT?
Centrelink may provide a Crisis Payment for situations such as family violence, homelessness, or release from prison. ACT charities also offer emergency relief including food vouchers, fuel support, bill payments, and short-term accommodation assistance.
How do I apply for Centrelink payments in the ACT?
Most claims are submitted online via myGov. You can upload documents, receive messages, and track progress. If you need help, visit a Services Australia service centre located across Canberra or call the relevant Centrelink support line.
Does OBenefitFinder decide if I qualify for ACT or federal benefits?
No. OBenefitFinder is an independent information website and does not approve applications or determine eligibility. All decisions are made by Services Australia (Centrelink), Housing ACT, and other ACT Government departments.