It is sometimes hard to ask for help in this area. People sometimes feel that they have failed in some way if they need financial support. Try to remember that many of these services were set up by the affected communities to help community members. Even if you feel uncomfortable having to use these services, you should be able to expect that you will be treated with dignity and respect and that the people in these organisations will be keen to make you feel comfortable.

There are lots of services available to help you if you need advice or assistance. Some of these are:

• your state/territory Department of Housing may have a scheme which can either place you in a Housing Department property or subsidise your rent in a privately rented house or flat;
• Centrelink has a range of benefits which apply to people with HIV/AIDS;
• AIDS charities (like Bobby Goldsmith Foundation in NSW) or financial assistance schemes in many states and territories which can help you to purchase household goods or to pay regular bills: these schemes are usually based in or near your state/territory AIDS council; and
• mainstream charities and organisations like the Salvation Army and St.Vincent de Paul.

There may be other services in your area that can help you to manage your finances, for example, there may be a free legal service at your state AIDS council or, if not, you may be able to get free legal advice from a community legal centre.

If you are having trouble finding the help you need, or if you feel uncomfortable making use of these services, counsellors or HIV support staff at your local AIDS Council can help you get what you need.

What can you expect from these support services?

• To be treated with dignity
• Confidentiality
• A complaints or disputes resolution system which is fair, accessible and effective
• A non-judgemental attitude
• Clear guidelines for the use of their services
• Good record keeping so that you do not have to continually represent your case