Money saving resources
Here are details of programs and pockets of funds that might assist you in managing your budget when you are juggling expenses looking after children.
Home Power Savings Program
This program provides NSW residents with a free energy assessment of their home where at least one member of the household has a pensioner concession card, low income health care card, or DVA health & concession cards, and contribute to the power bill. The energy assessment involves an expert providing you with information about which appliances in your household draw the most power, ways to save energy, and the installation of the ‘power savings kit’ which includes energy efficient light bulbs, low flow showerhead, shower timer, tap aerator and shower timer. People living in rented properties are also eligible.
For more details or to book an assessment call 1300 662 416 or http://www.savepower.nsw.gov.au/.
Food Within
Food Within is an organisation that provides people who are struggling to make ends meet with fresh, healthy food. Based in the Penrith area but delivering across Sydney, they assist people with drawing up their household budget and determine the amount they can contribute towards groceries. The gap between the amount people can afford to pay and the cost of the food is then converted to volunteer hours, so each participant is involved in contributing their time to the project. Participants are also involved in the ‘Find Ur Wings’ program which includes sessions on budgeting, cooking, and other life skills.
Contact Alicia on 0433 521 396 or look up http://www.foodwithin.org.au/ for more details.
Education Tax Refund
Provides up to 50% back on a range of children’s educational expenses, such as computers, monthly internet charges, exercise books, computer programs, printers, reference books etc. Any person who is entitled to receive Family Tax benefit part A for raising a child in primary or secondary school can apply for the refund. You can claim a refund in your tax return, or directly from the Tax Office if you do not have to lodge a tax return. You must remember to keep all receipts.
Contact the ATO for more details on http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/content.aspx?doc=/content/00174278.htm. or 13 28 65.
No Interest Loan Schemes
NILS are a community based program that assists people on low incomes to purchase essential household items, such as fridges, washing machines, furniture or other appliances without paying interest. A typical NILS loan is for $600-$1,200 and is repaid over 12-18 months. Each scheme has its own assessment process, but will include sharing information about your household income and expenses, and quotes for the item you wish to purchase.
NILS operating in greater western Sydney include:
Anglicare Mt Druitt 9832 2300 - Penrith, Hawkesbury, Blacktown
Barnardos Penrith 4729 1211 - 2747, 2749, 2750 postcodes in Penrith
Blackheath Area Neighbourhood Centre 4787 7720 - upper Blue Mountains
Lower Mountains Neighbourhood Centre 4739 1164 - 2773, 2774 postcodes in the BM
Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre 4759 2592 - 2778, 2779, 2782-2784 postcodes in the BM
St Marys Community Centre 9673 2169 - 2760, 2747 postcodes in Penrith
Windsor District Baptist Church 4572 6952 - Hawkesbury
Winmalee Neighbourhood Centre 4754 4050 - 2776, 2777 postcodes in the BM
Hills Community Aid 9639 8620 - The Hills area
For further information, see the NILS website - http://www.nilsnsw.org.au/.