The ACT Government will spend $7.4 million on new support measures aimed at helping low-income households manage housing and cost-of-living pressures as part of the 2026-27 Budget.

The package includes a new $5.2 million Housing Crisis Support Fund, which will provide short-term rental assistance and emergency payments for people experiencing financial hardship.

Under the scheme, eligible households will be able to access grants covering up to four weeks’ rent, capped at $2500, to help prevent housing loss during periods of financial difficulty.

A new $250 Crisis Support Payment will also be introduced to help cover essential household expenses such as utilities, insurance and basic furnishings.

The ACT Government says the fund is expected to support more than 3300 Canberrans through rental subsidies and crisis payments.

The Budget also includes an additional $977,000 for the Education Equity Fund, which helps families pay for school-related costs including uniforms, books, excursions and extracurricular activities.

More than 6200 students received support through the program in 2025.

The Government says the package builds on existing support measures, including the Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate, which provides up to $800 a year to about 40,000 Canberrans.

Additional funding will also go towards the Emergency Material and Financial Aid scheme to help community organisations respond to rising financial pressure and the impacts of ongoing fuel supply disruptions.