Remember, you’re not alone at work.

The SDA is here to provide our members in retail, fast food and warehousing advice, support and information about your work. And we can help if something goes wrong by making sure you know your rights and are represented work.

It’s also important to know that when it comes to your mental health, where you can go to access professional help.

If work is having a negative impact on your mental health, contact the SDA for advice about how to approach this at work but also seek professional help.

The list below are useful resources.

Financial Hardship & Assistance

Government Support and Payments

There are a range of income support payments available to Australians through the Federal Government and Services Australia for different circumstances.

You can view a full list of income support payments here.

JobSeeker

If you are looking for work or unable to work for a short period of time due to illness or injury, you may be eligible for regular fortnightly payments subject to meeting income and assets tests, residency rules and age requirements.

Payment amounts vary depend on your circumstances (e.g. relationship status, number of dependents. In order to be eligible, you must be between 22 years old – Pension Age.

Click here for more information on eligibility and payments.

Youth Allowance

If you are aged between 18-24 and are currently studying or are between 16-21 and are looking for full-time work, you may be eligible for a regular fortnightly payments subject to meeting extra eligibility requirements.

Click here for more information on eligibility and payments.

Financial Crisis Support

If you’ve experienced an extreme circumstance or crisis and have suffered financial hardship as a result of this, you may be eligible to receive a one-off payment through the Federal Government.

The eligibility criteria and payment amount vary depending on the circumstances.

Click here for more information on eligibility and payments.

Non-Government Support and Payments

National Debt Helpline

NDH is a not-for-profit service that helps people in Australia tackle their debt problems.

Their professional financial counsellors offer a free, independent and confidential service. They are here to help you get back on track.

Call: 1800 007 007

Website: www.ndh.org.au

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army offers a range of support options to help with financial difficulties, depending on the nature of your problems.

Call: 1300 371 288

Website: salvos.org.au/need-help/financial-assistance

St Vincent De Paul

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia has more than 60,000 members and volunteers, who work hard to assist people in need and combat social injustice across Australia.

Call: 1300 VINNIES

Website: www.vinnies.org.au

Income Protection Insurance

Most super funds offer regular monthly payments if you become unable to work due to illness or injury – this is called Income Protection Insurance.

Income Protection Insurance is designed to replace your income based on your annual earnings for the last 12 months.

Contact your Super fund to find out whether you have Income Protection Insurance and your eligibility.

Rest Super – Severe Financial Hardship Payment

If you have your super with REST and meet certain conditions, Rest now allows you to access part of your super if you’re experiencing severe financial hardship. These conditions include receiving Commonwealth income support payments for either 26 continuous weeks or a cumulative period of 39 weeks, depending on whether you’ve reached the preservation age (the age you’d usually be able to access your super from).

If you haven’t reached your preservation age, the maximum amount you can withdraw under severe financial hardship is $10,000, and this can only be made once in a 12 month period.

To apply for an early release of your super under severe financial hardship payment, contact Rest on 1300 300 778.

Click here for more information.