Being a single mum means you’re often doing the job of two people, but that doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. Whether it’s managing the weekly budget, juggling bills, or making sure the kids have what they need, you’re already balancing more than most, and that deserves real support.
The good news? There’s help out there. From government support to local programs and emergency relief, there are practical options designed to give you a bit more breathing room and a bit less stress.
This guide breaks it all down for you: what kind of support you can access, how to find it, and where to go if things get tough. It’s all about giving you the tools and information to move forward with confidence.
If you’ve been wondering what’s out there or just need a fresh place to start, you’re in the right spot.
Available Grants For Single Mothers 2025
The table below should give you an idea of the financial assistance available and help you understand what it covers, who’s eligible, and where to find more info:
| Payment Name | What It Covers | Who’s Eligible | More Info |
| Parenting Payment | Fortnightly income support while raising kids | Single mums with a child under 14 and below income/assets test | servicesaustralia.gov.au/parenting-payment |
| Family Tax Benefit A & B | Helps cover the cost of raising children | Based on income, number of kids, and their ages | servicesaustralia.gov.au/family-tax-benefit |
| Child Care Subsidy | Reduces childcare costs if working, studying, or training | Must meet the activity test and use approved childcare | http://servicesaustralia.gov.au/child-care-subsidy |
| JobSeeker Payment | Income support while looking for work | Single parent of a child under 16 who’s looking for work and meeting Centrelink rules. | http://servicesaustralia.gov.au/jobseeker-payment |
| Rent Assistance | Helps with rental costs | Must already be getting a Centrelink payment that qualifies. | http://servicesaustralia.gov.au/rent-assistance |
| Education Entry Payment | Once-off yearly payment to help with study-related expenses | For people starting studies while receiving payments like Parenting Payment or JobSeeker | https://my.gov.au/en/services/education/help-when-studying/financial-help-while-studying |
| Pharmaceutical Allowance | Helps cover prescription medicine costs | Usually paid with Parenting Payment, JobSeeker, or similar | https://www.pbs.gov.au/info/about-the-pbs |
Getting Help During a Crisis
Sometimes it’s just about getting through the week. When there’s no food in the fridge, the rent’s overdue, or you’re about to lose power, emergency assistance can make all the difference.
Where to Go for Emergency Help
Across Australia, there are services set up specifically for moments like these:
- The Salvation Army Doorways – They can help with grocery vouchers, food hampers, fuel cards, utility bills, or even school costs.
- Local community services – Centres like St Vincent de Paul, Anglicare, Uniting Care, and neighbourhood houses often have emergency relief too.
- No Interest Loans (NILS) – Run by Good Shepherd and others, these interest-free loans can cover things like car repairs, medical bills, appliances, or school supplies. No credit checks, no hidden traps.
If you’re not sure where to begin, try calling the Salvos or dropping by your local community centre. Most places will walk you through what help is available and how to apply.
And just so you know, there’s no shame in asking for help. These essential services exist because life can get hard. Whether it’s a sudden emergency or something that’s been building for a while, there are people ready to help you through it.
Financial Counselling
Services like Moneycare from The Salvation Army offer support that’s free, confidential, and focused on your unique situation. A financial counsellor will sit with you (in person or over the phone), review your finances, and help determine what needs attention first. They’ll help you figure out what needs attention now, what can wait, and how to make it all feel less impossible.
And you don’t have to wait for severe financial hardship. Even if things are just starting to feel off, a counsellor can help you plan ahead, check if you’re missing out on discounts or concessions, and give you a clearer view of your money.
A financial counsellor won’t take all your problems away, but they will stand in your corner, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
The Bigger Picture: Why So Many Single Mums Still Struggle
If you’ve done all the right things, like applied for support, cut back where you can, kept up with appointments, and still found it hard to stay on top of everything, you’re not alone. And you’re certainly not doing anything wrong.
The truth is, the system isn’t always set up for real life, especially for single mums juggling work, parenting, and everything in between.
Flexible jobs are often part-time or casual, which makes it hard to plan ahead. Sick days, school holidays, or a missed shift can throw everything off. And when child support doesn’t come through, you carry the full financial load.
At the same time, everyday costs keep rising, and many support payments just haven’t kept up. And then there’s the admin. Reporting, job plans, and mutual obligations can feel like a full-time job just to stay eligible for help.
If you’ve been feeling like it shouldn’t be this hard, you’re right. The system has gaps, and far too many hardworking parents fall through them.
But you don’t have to stay stuck. Support is out there, and there are ways to build more stability, whether that’s through government help, community programs, or personal debt solutions designed to take some of the pressure off.
Getting Support Shouldn’t Be Another Battle
These payments can help cover the basics, but if they’re not going far enough, you’re not alone. That’s where we come in.
At Debt Busters, we help people take back control of their finances, not with judgment, but with real options. Whether you need to pause and regroup, lower what you owe, or find a better way to manage repayments, there are paths forward.
We offer:
- Informal payment plans that reduce pressure without locking you into anything long-term
- Debt settlements that may lower how much you actually have to repay, and
- Debt Agreements – a formal but flexible alternative to bankruptcy that’s designed to help you move forward
If you’re feeling stretched, stuck, or unsure where to start, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Reach out for a free chat. No pressure, just practical support that fits your life.