Volunteer Hardship Scheme
The WA Emergency Service Volunteer Hardship Scheme exists to to provide emergency services volunteers with the opportunity to seek financial assistance during times of hardship.
The scheme is managed by a governing committee consisting of representatives from each of the relevant volunteer associations which together constitute the WA Emergency Services Volunteers Hardship Assistance Scheme (Incorporated).
The Hardship Assistance Fund provides direct relief from hardship to volunteers and their dependants. It is designed to help cover basic living costs such as rent, food and utilities. Financial assistance is not provided for expenses arising as a result of
living beyond one’s means, or to clear gambling incurred debt, or to fund lifestyle choices.
Applications must be for a volunteer who is a member of an emergency services group created under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1998;Bush Fires Act 1954; or the Fire Brigades Act 1942 and who has served a minimum of six months
(unless in exceptional emergency situations).
What is hardship?
Hardship is when a volunteer is unable to meet minimum living expenses because of unexpected or unforeseen events, such as:
- Loss of work or reduction of work hours
- Illness or death of family member
- Relationship breakdown
- Accidental injury or illness
- Emergency event or natural disaster
Up to $5,000 of hardship assistance can be provided in order for an eligible applicant to meet the following expenses:
- Outstanding utility accounts and charges
- General household expenses
- Expenses for funeral of a family member
- Unexpected accounts due to accident or injury
- Self-employment
- expenses
- Support for dependent family members
- Last resort welfare mechanisms
- Medical expenses
- Municipal rates
- Mortgage or lease expenses
The final decision on an application is made by a subcommittee of the hardship committee and as they say on the application form, is final, and no reason for their decision will be given.
For more information, please view the website https://waesvhas.org.au