If you are worried about paying your rent, don’t wait until you have fallen behind. Talk to your landlord or real estate agent to see if you can negotiate a reduced rent, a temporary freeze on payments, or delay your rent payments for a set amount of time.
If you’re unable to work, check with Centrelink to see if you are eligible for any benefits. If you already receive Centrelink benefits such as the Age Pension, Carer Payment or Disability Support Pension, you may be able to get Rent Assistance. To check eligibility requirements, visit Services Australia.
You can also contact your local housing office or tenants advice service for information about assistance that may be available. You may find it helpful to talk to a financial counsellor or contact a community legal centre.
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HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, Sydney, NSW; Leigh Aitken, Consumer; Mary Bairstow, Senior Social Worker, Cancer Centre, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; Lynette Brailey, Team Leader Financial Counselling, Cancer Council NSW; Corinne Jones and Siew Tan, Financial Counsellors, Cancer Council VIC; Penny Jacomos, Social Worker, Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia, SA; Dr Deme Karikios, Head of Department – Medical Oncology, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, Nepean Hospital, NSW; Valerie Parsons, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Viridian Financial Group, Melbourne, VIC.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
