Housing Stress in the ACT: Where to Get Help

If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, call FIRST Canberra on 1800 176 468. For domestic and family violence support, call the DVCS 24/7 crisis line on 02 6280 0900. In an emergency, call 000.

If rent, mortgage repayments or bills are getting on top of you, you're not alone, and there is free help in the ACT. This guide lists the main services for renters and families, checked on official websites on 22 October 2026. Services and rules change, so always check the linked page or call the service for your situation.

If you're homeless or at risk of losing your home

FIRST Canberra (1800 176 468), run by The Salvation Army, is the ACT's Central Intake Service for homelessness and housing support. It took over from OneLink, using the same number (FIRST Canberra). For an interpreter, call 131 450 and ask them to call 1800 176 468.

Family and domestic violence

The Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) runs a 24/7 ACT crisis line on 02 6280 0900 (DVCS).

Help with bond, rent and arrears

Rental bond help: Housing ACT can pay some or all of a private rental bond as an interest-free loan you repay in small amounts. You must apply before paying your bond (ACT Government).
Housing Crisis Support Fund: opened in September 2026 and run by Care Inc., it gives one-off rental grants and a crisis support payment to low-income private renters at immediate risk of losing their home (ACT Government, apply through Care). It isn't open to people in ACT Housing.

Free tenancy advice and your rights

The Tenancy Advice Service at Legal Aid ACT gives free, confidential legal help to private renters on 1300 402 512, Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 7pm and Friday 8.30am to 5pm (Legal Aid ACT). Public and community housing tenants can get free legal help from Canberra Community Law on (02) 6218 7900.

A few rules worth knowing (ACT Government: during a tenancy):

Rent can only be increased every 12 months, even if you sign a new agreement.
If rent isn't paid within 7 days of falling due, the landlord may issue a notice to vacate. If you don't leave, the landlord has to apply to ACAT for an order, so get advice early.

Help with energy and water bills

The ACT Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate (formerly the Utilities Concession) is a yearly rebate for eligible concession card holders. Call the ACT Revenue Office on (02) 6207 0028, option 5 (ACT Revenue Office). If you're behind on a bill, ask your retailer for hardship help.

National help, wherever you live

Rent Assistance: an extra Centrelink payment if you get an eligible payment and pay rent above a certain amount (Services Australia).
National Debt Helpline: free financial counselling on 1800 007 007 (ndh.org.au).
Ask Izzy: a free directory of local food, housing and money help (askizzy.org.au).

Help in other states and territories is listed on our national housing help page.

About Nhanya Foundation

Nhanya Foundation is a registered charity based in Melbourne's west, Victoria. We can't provide direct support in the ACT, so please contact the services above. If you're in Melbourne's west, call us on 03 8595 9012 or make a referral.

Live somewhere else? See housing help for every state and territory.

Frequently Asked Questions About Housing Stress in the ACT

Who do I call if I'm at risk of homelessness in the ACT?

Call FIRST Canberra, the ACT's Central Intake Service run by The Salvation Army, on 1800 176 468. In an emergency, call 000.

Can I get help with bond or rent in the ACT?

Housing ACT offers interest-free rental bond loans, and the Housing Crisis Support Fund (run by Care Inc.) gives one-off rental grants to low-income private renters at immediate risk of losing their home.

How often can rent be increased in the ACT?

In the ACT, rent can only be increased every 12 months. The Tenancy Advice Service at Legal Aid ACT gives free advice on 1300 402 512.

Is there free financial counselling?

Yes. The National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 offers free, confidential financial counselling across Australia.

Can Nhanya Foundation help me in the ACT?

Nhanya Foundation is based in Melbourne's west, Victoria, and can't provide direct support in the ACT. Please contact the services listed on this page.