WE ARE urging people facing financial uncertainty due to their employment status changing as a result of COVID-19 to contact ac.care for support.
ac.care chief executive officer Shane Maddocks said the organisation’s staff across eastern regional South Australia were resourced to support people who may have lost their jobs or had employment hours reduced, including those awaiting government payments.
“We know for people who have lost their jobs, they may start to struggle to manage their expenses once bills come in,” he said.
“ac.care has financial counsellors and emergency relief assistance available that can help in these situations and we urge people facing uncertainty to call our team.”
He welcomed increased State Government support for financial counselling and emergency relief services announced by Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink this week, which followed a previous Federal Government package to help the not-for-profit sector assist vulnerable people.
“We know many people have never been in this situation before and never expected to require government benefits for their daily living expenses, however organisations like ac.care can provide a respectful, confidential and free service tailored to their individual needs to support people to ensure their financial position is sustainable as quickly as possible,” Mr Maddocks said.
“Some people may be deferring payments of mortgages or other expenses and we can help plan for that now so they do not end up in a worse situation in three, six or 12 months.”
He said it was important for people to start assessing early how changes in their circumstances could affect their household finances over the longer term.
“ac.care prefers to support people early to prevent problems and we would invite people to call us on 1300 ACCARE (1300 22 22 73) for advice over the phone or to make an appointment so they can obtain information about the range of benefits and increased financial flexibility available now and to plan for their future,” he said.
ac.care can provide assessments for new clients for emergency relief at the Mount Gambier Community Centre and its sites at Murray Bridge, Berri and Millicent, or across eastern regional South Australia via 1300 22 22 73.
ac.care’s financial counselling is available to anyone and can include general information and guidance specific to unique situations.
The agency can also provide tailored emergency relief, including help with living expenses, such as fuel and food, as well as referrals to other agencies.