Financial Wellbeing
Empowering you to overcome financial challenges, manage your money responsibly, and receive necessary financial aid when you need it most.
Financial Wellbeing Services
Metro Assist provides free comprehensive assistance tailored to your financial needs including professional financial counselling to help you manage bills and the cost of living. The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) is available for low-income earners. If you are having difficulty paying your current household energy bill you can apply for help through the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) program.
Financial Counselling
Metro Assist offers free one-on-one financial counselling, by providing essential support and valuable insights to help you take control of your finances.
No Interest Loans (NILs)
Metro Assist can assist you in obtaining a no-interest loan of up to $2000 or $3000 depending on your circumstances. The NIL’s loans are interest-free, and there are no fees – ever. (*conditions apply)
Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) Vouchers
You can apply for an EAPA vouchers if you are having difficulty paying your current household energy bill due to short-term financial distress or emergency. Vouchers are limited, and are sent electronically to the energy retailer.
We are not an emergency relief service – please click here if this applies to you.
While we strive to promptly assist as many people as possible, at times, longer wait times may occur due to increased workload and demand for our services. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Financial Wellbeing Events
List of events in Photo View
“Fada, of Arabic background had move into temporary accommodation for safety reasons. She contacted Metro Assist seeking a NILS Loan in the hope of buying a sofa and side table for her new home. Fada expressed concerns about her ability to cope with bills as a single parent of three children and the challenges of the application requirements.”
More Ways We Can Help
Settlement Services
Support services for newly arrived migrants, refugees, and humanitarian visa entrants.
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Community Leadership
Uplifting community leaders, advocates, and CALD groups to grow, connect, and create lasting change.
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Families
Supporting families through early intervention programs, group sessions, short- and long-term casework and psychological support.
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Youth
Metro Assist supports youth, including migrants and refugees, with casework, social connections, and community engagement.
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Employment
Supporting migrants and refugees with overseas skills and qualifications in finding meaningful employment.
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Tenancy Advice and Advocacy
Free telephone advice and assistance for private and public housing tenants.
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Our Experience in Financial Wellbeing
Metro Assist has supported communities across Sydney since 1986. Our work in financial wellbeing reflects decades of practice with individuals and families who need calm, reliable guidance during uncertain times. The service has grown from our roots in settlement support, giving us a deep understanding of the challenges faced by culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
We recognise how financial stress affects housing stability, family safety and long term wellbeing. Our experience has shaped an approach that is steady, practical and centred on each person’s needs.
Our Qualified and Accredited Team
Financial counselling at Metro Assist is delivered by trained professionals who have completed a Diploma in Financial Counselling and are registered members of the Financial Counsellors Association of NSW.
These standards ensure that every session is grounded in industry expectations and ethical practice. Our counsellors bring extensive knowledge of budgeting, debt negotiation, hardship processes, ATO debt support, and creditor communication.
They work with clients who present with a single overdue bill, multiple small debts, mortgage stress, or complex situations involving financial abuse. Their work is supported by a broader team of experienced case workers, psychologists, and community specialists.
Our Trusted and Transparent Processes
Financial wellbeing relies on trust. Clients are guided through a clear process that outlines their rights, their responsibilities and the choices available to them. Metro Assist provides information that helps people make informed decisions without pressure.
We do not offer financial advice. Instead, we explain options, advocate where needed and support clients to understand each step of the journey. We work closely with external partners for NILS assessments and with energy retailers for EAPA vouchers. This cooperation strengthens the quality and transparency of every outcome.
Can Metro Assist help me understand my ATO debt or unpaid tax issue?
ATO debts can feel overwhelming because timeframes, interest charges, and communication requirements are often complex. A financial counsellor can help you understand the notices you have received and guide you through repayment options or hardship processes that may apply.
They can help you prepare a budget that clearly presents your financial position so the ATO can assess your circumstances more accurately. Counsellors cannot give financial advice yet they can walk with you through each step so you feel supported.
Can Metro Assist help me negotiate with my bank if I cannot meet my home loan repayments?
Our financial counsellors can help you contact your lender to request hardship options when you are struggling with repayments. This may include reduced payments, interest pauses or reviews of your budget to develop a short term arrangement.
Counsellors assist you to present your financial position clearly so the bank understands what is achievable for you. They advocate on your behalf where appropriate, although the final decision always sits with the lender.
How does Metro Assist support people who rely on Afterpay, Zip Pay or other small credit products?
‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ services can create financial strain when repayments begin to overlap. A financial counsellor can help you assess these commitments and understand how they affect your broader budget. They work with you to communicate with creditors when repayment changes may be needed.
Our counsellors can also guide you through hardship options that apply to different providers. This helps you regain control of these debts in a calm and structured way that reflects your income and essential needs.
How do NILs loans work, and who decides if I am eligible?
NILs loans follow responsible lending guidelines. Metro Assist helps you complete your application and gather the documents you need. The assessment is then handled by an external provider that reviews your budget and checks whether the repayments are manageable.
Many applicants use NILs for appliances, car registration, education costs, or medical needs. Metro Assist is not the lender and cannot approve or decline applications.
Learn more on our No Interest Loans page.
What if I am unable to pay my electricity bill this month?
Short term financial stress can make utility bills difficult to manage. If you meet the eligibility criteria, the EAPA program may help you cover part of your current electricity bill.
Metro Assist guides you through the voucher process and ensures your application is sent to your retailer. Appointments are often booked out quickly, so early contact is helpful. If we are at capacity, we can direct you to other accredited providers.
Learn more about EAPA vouchers.