4 min read
Where to find help managing debts
Many Australians are finding themselves in financial difficulty. You are not alone if you're not able to keep up with cost of living expenses, or your debt is becoming hard to manage.
You can find information about support services available to help you below.
Contact a financial counsellor
If you are experiencing financial difficulty, there is help available. We recommend contacting a financial counsellor who can help you make a plan to financial recovery.
Financial counsellors offer free, independent and confidential services to help you get back on track and discuss your options for dealing with unmanageable debt.
Financial counselling services
National Debt Helpline - 1800 007 007
The National Debt Helpline is a free hotline to help you tackle debt problems. Their financial counsellors provide free, independent and confidential services.
- Call 1800 007 007 - 9:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
- Live Chat with a financial counsellor - 9:00am to 8:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Mob Strong Debt Help - 1800 808 488
Mob strong are a free nationwide legal advice and financial counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Call 1800 808 488 - 9:30am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Small Business Debt Helpline - 1800 413 828
The Small Business Debt Helpline is a free service for small business owners in financial difficulty.
- Call 1800 413 828 - 9am - 5:30pm AEST, Monday to Friday
- Live Chat with a financial counsellor - 9am - 5:30pm AEST, Monday to Friday
Rural Financial Counselling Service Program
The Rural Financial Counselling Service Program provides free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers, fishers, foresters and small related enterprises who are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.
Find a financial counsellor near you
Specialist financial counsellors
Some financial counsellors are specialists in providing free advice and support to individuals in specific circumstances. This includes: farmers, first nations people, small business, people with gambling issues or people who have experienced family and domestic violence. If this is you, it may help to speak to a financial counsellor who specialises in this area.
If you are unsure whether you need a specialist financial counsellor, you can contact the national Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
How a financial counsellor can help
When you contact one of these services you will speak to a trained financial counsellor who can help assess your situation and provide you with free advice to help you move on.
If your matter is more complex, they can refer you to your closest financial counselling service to see a financial counsellor in your local area.
Financial counsellors work in various community organisations and are all:
- free
- qualified
- confidential
- impartial
- non-judgemental
- respectful
Financial counsellors can offer help and guidance in the following areas:
Managing your debts
- work out what you can afford to pay
- negotiate payment terms
- prioritise your debts
- know your rights
Explaining your options
- apply for government benefits or emergency assistance
- request a hardship variation
- connect you with support services
- temporary relief
- debt agreement
- help decide if this is the best option for you
- bankruptcy
- explain how bankruptcy could affect you
- help you apply
Video: where to find help
Help with living expenses
ASIC’s MoneySmart website can help make your money go further with free tools, tips and guidance across many topics.
Many state and territory governments also have concessions, rebates and assistance available to help you make ends meet. Contact your local state or territory government to find what may be available.
| State or territory | Contact |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | nsw.gov.au |
| Victoria | vic.gov.au |
| Queensland | qld.gov.au |
| South Australia | sa.gov.au |
| Western Australia | wa.gov.au |
| Tasmania | service.tas.gov.au |
| Northern Territory | nt.gov.au |
| Australian Capital Territory | act.gov.au |
You can also read more on our website about Budgeting and Dealing with debt.
Help with your tax
If you are struggling with your tax, there are services and programs that may help you get advice or support with lodgement:
- The National Tax Clinic program can help eligible individuals and small businesses with their tax affairs
- The Australian Tax Office's Tax Help program is free and helps eligible people earning $60,000 or less to lodge their tax return.
Support in a crisis
If you are in a crisis and need assistance with housing, food, emergency help and other essential services, there is help available.
Ask Izzy
Ask Izzy is a website that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, family violence support, counselling and much more. It is free and anonymous and if you are on the Telstra or Vodafone mobile network, you can access AskIzzy on your phone even if you don't have credit or access to wifi.
Services Australia
Services Australia - call 132 850
Services Australia or Centrelink can help if you’re in severe financial hardship, recovering from a disaster, or need special assistance. In some situations, you may be able to access crisis payments or advanced payments.
Not for profit services
The Salvation Army - call 13 72 58.
The Salvation Army offers a range of services to help with financial hardship, crisis support and more.
St Vincent de Paul Society - call 13 18 12
St Vincent de Paul Society offer people who need help with everyday living costs along with the impacts that can be felt when facing poverty and disadvantage.
Small business help
Small Business Debt Helpline - call 1800 413 828
The Small Business Debt Helpline is a free service for small business owners in financial difficulty.
Business.gov.au - call 13 28 46
Business.gov.au is a whole-of-government website for the business community. It provides information, grants, services and support for business owners.
Australian Business Exit and Restart Association (ABERA)
ABERA is a registered charity in Australia, dedicated to educating and supporting individuals who have experienced an honest business failure and bankruptcy.
Indigenous assistance
Mob Strong Debt Help - call 1800 808 488
Mob Strong Debt Help is a free nationwide legal advice and financial counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
You can find more money tips and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at ASIC's MoneySmart website Indigenous Outreach Program.
Free legal advice
See the Seek legal assistance for debt related issues page.
Community support services
Mental health and wellbeing
Lifeline - call 13 11 14 (24 hours a day).
Lifeline crisis support service is available to anyone needing emotional support.
Beyond Blue - call 1300 22 4636
Beyond Blue offers support for people affected by anxiety, depression and suicide.
Alcohol and Drug Counselling Online
Alcohol and Drug Counselling Online is a free and confidential service that provides support to people across Australia affected by alcohol or drug use.
Gambling Help Online - call 1800 858 858
Gambling Help Online provides free 24/7 support for anyone affected by gambling in Australia.
BetStop – call 1800 238 786
BetStop - the National Self-Exclusion RegisterTM is a safe and free Australian Government initiative to block yourself from all licensed Australian online and phone gambling providers.
Domestic violence, family violence or abuse
1800Respect - call 1800 737 732
1800RESPECT offers support to people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
Financial abuse
Financial abuse occurs if someone restricts or controls your access to money or uses your money without consent. You can find out more and get help from ASIC's MoneySmart website at Financial abuse.
Separation and family dispute resolution
Relationships Australia - call 1300 364 277
Relationships Australia can help provide family and relationship counselling as well as range of other support services.
Family Relationships Online - call 1800 050 321
Family Relationships Online can provide a range of counselling and dispute resolution services for relationship issues and separation.
Help in your language
Translating and Interpreting Service - call 131 450 (24 hours a day)
The Translating and Interpreting Service can help you if you have difficulty speaking or understanding English.
You can also see the Help in your language section.