In an emergency, call 000. For family violence support anywhere in Australia, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Housing costs are stretching households right across Australia. A national survey released in October 2026 by the campaign Everybody's Home found three in five respondents were spending more than 30% of their income on housing, and three in four would have to cut back if their rent or mortgage rose by just $20 a week (Everybody's Home).
If that sounds like you, help is available wherever you live. This page lists the main housing help line in each state and territory, and national services anyone can use.
Housing and homelessness help lines by state
These lines can help if you are homeless, at risk of losing your home, or not sure where to turn. Opening hours vary, so check the linked page.
- Victoria: 1800 825 955 (free, 24 hours). See our detailed Victorian guide.
- New South Wales: Link2home on 1800 152 152, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (NSW Government). See our NSW guide.
- Queensland: Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753, 24 hours a day (Queensland Government). See our Queensland guide.
- South Australia: Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (SA Department of Human Services). See our SA guide.
- Western Australia: Entrypoint Perth on 1800 124 684, or Crisis Care on 1800 199 008 after hours (Entrypoint Perth). See our WA guide.
- Tasmania: Housing Connect on 1800 800 588, 24 hours if you have nowhere safe to sleep (Homes Tasmania). See our Tasmania guide.
- Australian Capital Territory: FIRST Canberra on 1800 176 468 (The Salvation Army). See our ACT guide.
- Northern Territory: Homelessness Central Intake on 1800 920 333 (NT Government). See our NT guide.
National help anyone can use
Commonwealth Rent Assistance
If you get a Centrelink payment and pay rent above a certain amount, you may get Rent Assistance as an extra regular payment. Tell Centrelink when your rent or address changes (Services Australia).
Free financial counselling
The National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 offers free, confidential financial counselling in every state (ndh.org.au). Read more in our guide to free financial counselling.
Find local services
Ask Izzy is a free national directory of services such as food, housing, money help and health care near you.
Family violence
If you need to leave home because of family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, any time. Your state's housing line can also help with safe accommodation.
Bills and essentials
If you can't pay an electricity, gas or water bill, call your retailer and ask for hardship or payment assistance. Every state has concessions for low-income households. For food help, see our guide to food aid and vouchers.
Tips when you call
- Call as early as you can. Services can often do more before you lose your home.
- Have your income, rent and any notices from your landlord or lender handy.
- Ask about bond loans, rent help and private rental support in your state.
- It's okay to ask a friend or support worker to make the call with you.
About Nhanya Foundation
Nhanya Foundation is a registered charity based in Melbourne's west, Victoria. If you live outside Victoria, your state's housing line above is the best place to start. If you're in Melbourne's west, our accommodation support and advocacy teams can help you understand your options and connect with services. Call 03 8595 9012 or make a referral.
In Melbourne's west and struggling with housing costs? Call Nhanya Foundation on 03 8595 9012 or make a referral.