Northern Territory Benefits Guide
Explore key support options available in the Northern Territory, including food assistance programs, NT Health services, public housing and rental support, emergency financial help, utilities concessions, cost-of-living relief, and community support for eligible residents across Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek, and remote communities.
Food Assistance Overview (NT)
Many households across the Northern Territory (NT) face higher food costs due to remote locations, limited supermarket access, and rising living expenses. To support individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, a range of community food relief programs operate throughout Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek, and remote NT communities.
NT food relief services include community centres, Indigenous organisations, outreach programs, churches, mobile food vans, and volunteer-run groups. These services assist low-income families, remote community residents, seniors, migrants, people experiencing homelessness, and anyone struggling with everyday expenses. Depending on your location, available support may include:
- Emergency food hampers and essential grocery packs
- Mobile food programs delivering low-cost groceries to remote areas
- Community pantries offering discounted or free staple items
- Community meal services providing hot meals and social support
- Connections to housing, financial counselling, and wellbeing services
🍞 Major Food Assistance Providers in the NT
1. Foodbank NT – Darwin
Foodbank NT supplies food to schools, charities, remote community organisations,
and emergency relief providers across the Northern Territory. They support
breakfast programs, emergency hampers, and low-cost groceries through local partners.
- Website: Foodbank NT
- Info: Search partner outlets across Darwin and regional NT.
2. Salvation Army – Darwin, Palmerston & Alice Springs
The Salvos offer emergency food parcels, vouchers, community meals, and crisis
support to individuals and families across major NT towns.
- Website: Salvation Army NT
- Info: Locations available in Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine & Alice Springs.
3. Red Cross NT – Remote & Urban Areas
Supports vulnerable residents with emergency food assistance, outreach services,
and support for people experiencing homelessness.
- Website: Red Cross NT
- Info: Includes outreach programs for remote communities.
🍏 Vinnies NT (St Vincent de Paul Society)
Vinnies NT provides emergency food vouchers, pantry items, household goods, and crisis
support through its network of local conferences in Darwin and Alice Springs.
- Website: Vinnies NT
- Info: Call local Vinnies offices for emergency food assistance.
🏘 Local Community & Indigenous Organisations (NT)
Many NT community centres and Aboriginal-controlled organisations provide food support, including:
- Emergency food parcels
- Low-cost or free pantry items
- Community meal programs
- Connections to housing & financial counselling
- Mission Australia NT
- Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation
- Tangentyere Council (Alice Springs)
- Palmerston & Darwin Community Centres
🟦 Who Can Receive Food Support in the NT?
Assistance is available for residents facing:
- Financial or cost-of-living stress
- Remote area food shortages
- Low income, job loss, or reduced hours
- Homelessness or emergency situations
- Difficulty affording groceries or basic meals
📍 Find Food Help Near You
These tools help NT residents locate nearby food relief:
- Ask Izzy – Food Directory (NT)
- Google search: “food relief near me Darwin / Alice Springs / Katherine”
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the NT Government, Centrelink, or any food relief provider. Always confirm details directly with providers.
Medical & Health Assistance in the Northern Territory (NT)
The Northern Territory provides a wide network of public healthcare, remote health services, and community medical support delivered through NT Health and partner organisations. Services cover major urban centres such as Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, as well as hundreds of remote Aboriginal communities.
Everyday healthcare in the NT is supported by Medicare, public hospitals, bulk-billing GP clinics, and specialist outreach services. NT Health operates emergency care, remote clinics, maternity support, mental health services, alcohol & drug programs, and community care hubs.
Common health services available to NT residents include:
- Public hospitals in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine & Tennant Creek
- Remote health clinics and fly-in/fly-out services for isolated communities
- Bulk-billed GP visits in urban and regional areas
- Mental health support, alcohol & drug treatment, counselling and crisis care
- Community health centres offering nursing, allied health & chronic disease support
- Specialist outreach programs for maternal health, paediatrics & chronic conditions
- 24/7 NT health helplines, telehealth and remote medical consultations
Eligible NT residents may also access Patient Assistance Travel Scheme (PATS) for long-distance medical travel, concession-based medical support, subsidised medicines through the PBS, and public dental care. Additional programs also support Indigenous communities, seniors, carers, and people with disabilities.
🩻 Medicare – Australia’s Public Health System
Medicare Overview
Medicare provides free and subsidised healthcare for eligible Northern Territory (NT) residents. It covers GP visits, diagnostic tests, public hospital care, specialist services, scans, and a wide range of essential treatments across Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek, and remote NT communities.
When a clinic or doctor bulk bills, Medicare covers the entire cost of the consultation, meaning you generally pay nothing out of pocket.
Who Can Access Medicare?
- Australian citizens and permanent residents
- New Zealand citizens living in Australia
- People from eligible reciprocal health care countries
Learn more: Medicare – Services Australia
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
The PBS lowers the cost of essential prescription medicines for NT residents by subsidising a large portion of the price.
How PBS Works
- You pay a fixed co-payment for PBS-covered medicines.
- The government covers the remaining approved cost.
- The PBS Safety Net reduces medicine costs further after reaching yearly limits.
More details: Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
NT Public Hospitals & Health Services
Public hospitals and community services in the NT are operated by NT Health. Key facilities include:
- Royal Darwin Hospital – major tertiary and trauma hospital
- Palmerston Regional Hospital – emergency, maternity & acute care
- Alice Springs Hospital – major regional hospital
- Katherine Hospital – emergency & inpatient care
- Tennant Creek Hospital – regional emergency & general services
- Over 50+ remote health clinics across Aboriginal communities
Find NT hospitals & health services:
NT Health – Hospitals & Services
💳 Health Concessions & Support Cards (NT)
Eligible NT residents can receive concession cards that reduce the cost of medical appointments, PBS medicines, utilities, and everyday expenses.
-
Health Care Card – lower-cost PBS medicines & service discounts.
Health Care Card -
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card – concessions for eligible older residents.
Seniors Health Card -
Low Income Health Care Card – discounts on medicines & essential services.
Low Income Health Care Card
🏥 Free & Community Health Clinics (NT)
NT residents have access to a range of free or low-cost government and community-run clinics, including:
- Bulk-billing GP clinics in Darwin, Palmerston & regional towns
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs)
- Remote health clinics & outreach teams
- Mental health, AOD (alcohol & drug), counselling & crisis support
Find local NT health services:
Healthdirect – Search Health Services
🚑 Emergency Medical Help (NT)
In any medical emergency, call 000. Royal Darwin Hospital and Alice Springs Hospital operate 24/7 emergency departments, with Katherine and Tennant Creek providing emergency and urgent care for their regions.
📘 Disclaimer
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder provides general health information for NT residents. We are not affiliated with NT Health, Medicare, or Services Australia. Always check official government sources for the most current details.
Housing Assistance in the Northern Territory (NT)
Housing affordability and overcrowding are major challenges for many communities across the Northern Territory, especially in remote and regional areas. To support households experiencing financial stress or homelessness, NT Housing and community organisations provide a range of public housing, rental support, crisis accommodation, and homelessness services.
NT Housing manages public and government employee housing across Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Tennant Creek, and Alice Springs, as well as remote Aboriginal community housing through local providers. Support varies depending on your location and needs, but commonly includes:
- Access to public housing for low-income households
- Community housing managed by non-profit providers
- Crisis accommodation for people experiencing homelessness or escaping violence
- Private rental support including bond assistance and rent help for eligible renters
- Support workers who assist with tenancy issues, budgeting, and long-term housing stability
Eligibility depends on household income, assets, housing history, and urgency of need. Remote NT services may provide additional support such as temporary accommodation and culturally appropriate assistance through Aboriginal organisations.
🏠 Major Housing Support Programs in the Northern Territory (NT)
NT Social Housing – Public & Community Housing
The Northern Territory Government provides social housing for eligible low-income residents through a mix of public housing and community housing. Social housing is designed to offer long-term, affordable homes for people who cannot afford private rental market prices.
Rent is usually set as a percentage of household income. Priority is given to people experiencing homelessness, overcrowding, family violence, or other complex needs.
Learn more & apply:
Apply for Social Housing – NT Government
Social Housing Forms – NT
Community Housing Providers
Community housing properties in the NT are managed by non-profit organisations. To access many of these homes, you generally need to be listed on the NT public housing waitlist.
Example provider:
Venture Housing – Social Housing
Private Rental Assistance (Bond & Set-up Help)
If you are on a low income and need help to start a private tenancy, you may be able to get bond assistance through the NT Government. This is usually an interest-free loan to help cover up to four weeks’ rent as bond, and in some cases rent in advance.
- Help with bond (security deposit) for private rentals
- Optional assistance with rent in advance
- Available for eligible low-income households and some public housing tenants moving into private rentals
More information:
Help with Bond Assistance for Private Rental – NT
Private Rental Bond Assistance Loan – NT
Homelessness & Long-Term Housing Pathways
The NT Government funds homelessness services and outreach programs that link people in crisis with emergency accommodation, case management, and pathways into long-term housing.
These services operate in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek and surrounding regions.
Find out more:
Homelessness Support – NT Government
Emergency Accommodation – NT
💸 Support for Your Current Rental (NT)
If you are renting in the NT and struggling to keep up with rent or dealing with tenancy problems, there are services that offer advice, financial counselling, and tenancy support.
- Information on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant
- Help negotiating payment plans with your landlord
- Support if you receive a notice to leave or face eviction
- Referrals to financial counselling and housing support services
Useful resources:
Tenants’ Advice Service – Darwin Community Legal Service
Renting in the NT – Consumer Affairs
🚨 Emergency & Crisis Accommodation (NT)
If you are experiencing homelessness, family or domestic violence, or need urgent housing, crisis accommodation and homelessness support services may be available.
- Emergency shelters and short-term crisis beds
- Family and domestic violence support and safe accommodation
- Outreach and case management to help secure longer-term housing
- Specialised services for young people, families and Aboriginal communities
Find crisis help & services:
ShelterMe – NT Homelessness Services Directory
Homelessness Services Directory – NT
🏦 Commonwealth Rent Assistance (Australia-wide)
If you receive a Centrelink payment and pay rent, you may be eligible for Commonwealth Rent Assistance to help reduce your rental costs in private, community, or boarding accommodation.
Rent Assistance – Services Australia
🔧 Tenancy Support & Legal Assistance (NT)
Free or low-cost legal services are available to help NT tenants understand the law, respond to eviction notices, and deal with complex housing problems.
- Advice on NT residential tenancies law
- Help resolving disputes with landlords or agents
- Support with bond, rent arrears, and breach notices
- Legal representation in some cases
Legal Support:
Legal Aid NT – Renting
Darwin Community Legal Service – Tenants’ Advice
📘 Disclaimer
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Northern Territory Government, NT Housing, Centrelink, or any community housing provider. Always confirm details using official NT Government and Australian Government websites.
Cash & Financial Support in the Northern Territory (NT)
Many residents across the Northern Territory face financial pressure due to rising living costs, high transport expenses, remote community challenges, and unexpected emergencies. A combination of Centrelink income support, NT Government concessions, and community emergency relief helps individuals and families manage essential daily expenses.
Ongoing income payments are delivered through Centrelink (Services Australia). Additional support—such as utility concessions, fuel and electricity rebates, and emergency hardship payments—is provided through the NT Government and not-for-profit organisations.
Common types of cash and financial support in the NT include:
- Centrelink income support for job seekers, seniors, parents, carers, and students
- Commonwealth Rent Assistance for eligible renters in private or community housing
- NT Concession Scheme – electricity, water, sewerage & property rate discounts
- NT Seniors Recognition Scheme – annual prepaid card for eligible seniors
- Emergency financial relief including food vouchers, bill support & crisis payments
- Short-term assistance for people experiencing domestic violence, homelessness, illness, or financial hardship
The amount and type of support you can receive depends on your income, household type, living situation, and the urgency of your financial needs—especially for residents in remote communities.
📋 Main Centrelink Payments for NT Residents
Centrelink provides a wide range of income support payments to eligible people living in the Northern Territory (NT). Payments assist residents dealing with unemployment, remote community challenges, illness, disability, caring responsibilities, or financial hardship. Always confirm the latest rules with Services Australia.
🟡 JobSeeker Payment
Financial help for NT 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 based on income and household situation.
JobSeeker Payment – Services Australia
🟣 Parenting Payment
Support for NT parents or carers who are the primary caregiver of a young child. Payment rates differ for partnered and single parents.
- Income and asset limits apply.
- Single parents generally receive a higher rate.
Parenting Payment – Services Australia
🔵 Age Pension
Financial support for older NT residents who meet the Age Pension age and satisfy income, asset, and residency conditions.
- Recipients in the NT may also qualify for NT Concessions on electricity, water, and rates.
🟢 Disability Support Pension (DSP)
Provides financial support to NT residents with a permanent, diagnosed disability or medical condition that significantly limits their capacity 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 NT young people aged 16–24 who are studying, training, or looking for work.
- Payment depends on parental income, your living arrangements, and age.
- Participation or study requirements may apply.
Youth Allowance – Services Australia
🟦 Additional Centrelink Payments & Supplements
NT 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., domestic violence, emergency events)
📝 General Eligibility (NT)
- You must be an Australian resident living in the NT (or hold an eligible visa).
- You must meet income and asset rules for your payment.
- You must submit documents and identity evidence when requested.
📘 How to Apply
- Create or access your myGov account.
- Link Centrelink and submit a claim online.
- Upload required documents and track progress through myGov.
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder provides general information for NT residents. We are not affiliated with Services Australia or Centrelink. Payment rules can change — always check official government sources for up-to-date details.
Frequently Asked Questions – NT Food, Housing, Medical & Financial Assistance
What food support services are available in the Northern Territory?
NT residents can access free food hampers, emergency groceries, community meals, vouchers, and low-cost food programs. Major providers include Foodbank NT, Salvation Army, Vinnies NT, Mission Australia, Red Cross, and community centres across Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Tennant Creek, and Alice Springs.
Where can I find food relief services near me in the NT?
You can search Ask Izzy, check Foodbank NT outlets, visit local community centres, churches, or Aboriginal organisations. Food support is available in urban areas and many remote communities.
Who is eligible for public or community housing in the NT?
NT public housing is managed by the Department of Housing and community housing providers. To qualify, applicants generally must:
- Live in the Northern Territory
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder
- Meet income and asset limits
- Provide ID for all household members
- Show a genuine need due to overcrowding, homelessness, violence, or financial stress
What support is available if I’m struggling to pay rent in the NT?
NT renters may be eligible for bond assistance, rent support, private rental help, and tenancy advice. Centrelink’s Rent Assistance can reduce private rental costs. Community services can help negotiate payment plans or provide short-term financial help.
What medical services does Medicare cover for NT residents?
Medicare covers GP visits, specialists, pathology, X-rays, scans, allied health services, and treatment as a public patient at NT hospitals such as Royal Darwin Hospital, Palmerston Regional Hospital, Alice Springs Hospital, and regional health centres.
Are there free or low-cost health clinics in the NT?
Yes. The NT has community health centres, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, remote clinics, and bulk-billing GP practices offering free or low-cost care. Use Healthdirect to locate services near you.
What Centrelink payments can NT residents receive?
NT residents may qualify for JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, Disability Support Pension (DSP), Youth Allowance, Carer Payment, Carer Allowance, Age Pension, Austudy, ABSTUDY, Family Tax Benefit and other supports depending on age, income, assets, and circumstances.
Can I get emergency or crisis payments in the Northern Territory?
Centrelink may provide a Crisis Payment for family violence, homelessness, or major emergencies. NT charities also offer emergency relief including food vouchers, bill support, fuel cards, and crisis accommodation.
How do I apply for Centrelink payments in the NT?
Most applications are submitted online via myGov. You can upload documents, receive messages, and track progress. Help is available at NT Services Australia service centres in Darwin, Palmerston, Casuarina, Katherine, Tennant Creek, and Alice Springs.
Does OBenefitFinder decide if I qualify for NT or federal benefits?
No. OBenefitFinder is an independent information website and does not approve applications. All decisions are made by Services Australia (Centrelink), the NT Government, and relevant community services.