Services

  

Information, Advocacy and Referral 

Our friendly and experienced team are available to talk with you and explore different services and programs to best meet your needs. 

We provide support to help you to connect and stay connected to your local community. 

We assist people to connect with information, advocacy and referral to appropriate services and programs. 

We provide practical assistance such as filling out forms, letter or email writing or assistance to negotiate a utility bill payment. 

Our service is: 

• impartial and non-judgemental, 

• culturally sensitive 

• confidential and open to all, regardless of age or background. 

  

Bill assistance 

If you have an outstanding utility account you are struggling to pay and/or you are facing disconnection our service may be able to assist you and advocate on your behalf to establish an affordable payment plan, apply for the utility relief grant, apply concessions, and make sure you are on the best plan available with your provider. 
 
 

Requirements to access assistance: 

·      Reside in the agency catchment service area (postcodes 3195, 3196 and 3197) 

·      The bill must be in your name 

  

Support Worker 

  

Our support worker team is dedicated to empowering individuals facing challenging circumstances by providing compassionate support and practical assistance. We are committed to fostering resilience, advocating for rights, and connecting people with resources that meet their unique needs. 

  

Practical Advice and Strategies: Offers tailored guidance and referrals that can support financial hardship, mental health, social isolation, employment, housing, and other essential areas, to help clients build skills and confidence in navigating their lives. 

  

Support for Complex Needs: Delivers focused, individualised support to clients with complex needs, ensuring their unique challenges are addressed with care and compassion. 

  

Advocacy: Advocates for clients in their interactions with services such as Centrelink, housing providers, community services, and real estate agents, helping them to overcome obstacles and secure the support they require. 

  

Care Plans: Assists clients in organising and prioritising their care plans, coordinating with external services to ensure that all aspects of their support are addressed in a holistic, integrated manner. 

  

Our support worker is driven by a passion for community service and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those they support 

Education Assistance Program 

Every year Chelsea Community Support Service provides support to those parents and guardians   struggling with the expenses associated with the return to school in February. 

Our Education Assistance program can assist with the cost of: 

·      Uniforms 

·      Text books 

·      Stationary 

·      Shoes 

·      Other essential education related items 

  

The provision is based upon an assessment with our Support Worker who will discuss the support available and work in partnership with State School Relief. 

NILS 

The No Interest Loans Scheme is available to anyone that earns   less than $70,000 annual income (before tax) as a single person or $100,000 annual income (before tax) if you have a partner or children OR Have experienced family or domestic violence in the last 10 years, OR Have a Health Care Card / Pension Card AND You can show you can afford to repay the loan 

Loans are available for the following purchases: 

Borrow up to $2000 for essential goods and services including: 

• Household items like appliances, whitegoods & furniture 

• Car repairs & registration 

• Medical, dental, wellbeing and life event expenses 

• Technology like a phone or laptop 

• Education expenses like fees or uniforms 

• Employment expenses like licenses or equipment 

Borrow up to $3,000 for: 

• Bond & rent in advance for a new rental property with a registered real estate agent (excluding private rentals) 

• Rates 

• Costs associated with a natural disaster 

When applying for a No Interest Loan up to $3000, there are NO credit checks. We’ll look at your income and expenses, the total loan amount, and your repayment timeframe (up to 24 months), and work with you to see if the loan is affordable. For more information or to make an appointment to complete a NILS application please call 9772 8939 on Wednesdays 

  

  

Justice of the Peace Service 

Justice of the peace is available every Tuesday at Chelsea Community Support Service and can assist you with: 

• attesting the execution of a document 

• witnessing an affidavit for use in court 

• witnessing a statutory declaration 

• certifying a true copy of an original document 

• certifying a person’s identity 

  

Tax Help Program 

Tax Help is a network of ATO trained and accredited community volunteers who provide a free and confidential service to help people complete their tax returns online using myGov. The program operates from July to October annually. 

  

You are eligible if: 

·      Your income does not exceed $60,000 

·      You do not work as a contractor 

·      You do not run a business 

·      You do not have partnership or trust matters 

·      You do not sell shares or an investment property 

·      You do not own a rental property 

·      You do not have capital gains tax 

·      You do not receive royalties 

·      You do not receive distributions from a trust, other than a managed fund 

·      You do not receive foreign income