External support services
Sometimes it helps to speak with someone independent, or to get support with things that sit outside your loan.
There are organisations that specialise in financial advice, legal support, and personal wellbeing. Many of these services are free and confidential.
Interpreter and accessibility services
If you need assistance when talking to us, these services can help.
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
Interpreter services for people who do not speak English.
National Relay Service
Telephone access service for people who are deaf or have hearing or speech impairment.
- Voice – 1300 555 727
- TTY – 133 677
- SMS – 0423 677 767
Financial counsellors
What financial counsellors do
Financial counsellors are independent professionals who can provide advice and support based on your financial situation, and help you work through options when money is tight.
They don’t work for lenders, and their services are generally free.
A financial counsellor can help you:
- understand your debts and expenses
- understand your rights
- talk with creditors on your behalf
- discuss lender hardship options
- help make a plan to improve your situation
Find a financial counsellor in your state of territory
Financial Counselling Australia (FCA)
www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au
1800 007 007
Care Financial Counselling Service
www.carefcs.org
1800 007 007
Financial Counsellors Association of NSW
www.fcan.com.au
1300 914 408
Anglicare Northern Territory Financial Counselling Service
www.anglicare-nt.org.au
08 8985 0000
Financial Counselling Association of Queensland
fcq.org.au
1800 007 007
Rural Financial Counselling Service Southern Queensland
rfcssq.org.au/
07 4622 5500
South Australia Financial Counsellors Association
www.safca.org.au/
08 8337 0898
Uniting SA
www.unitingsa.com.au
08 8440 2200
Financial Counsellors Association Tasmania
www.fcat.org.au
1800 007 007
Anglicare Financial Counselling Service
www.anglicare-tas.org.au
1800 243 232
Financial Counselling Victoria Inc
www.fcvic.org.au
03 9663 2000
Anglicare Financial Counselling Service
www.anglicarevic.org.au
1800 809 722
Financial Counsellors' Association of Western Australia
www.financialcounsellors.org
1800 007 007
Finance, debt, and legal support
If you’re looking for information, guidance, or legal advice related to money or debt, these services may help. They can support you alongside any arrangements you have with your lender.
Debt advice and financial guidance
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National Debt Helpline
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Small Business Debt Helpline
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1800 413 828
Support for small business owners and sole traders experiencing financial difficulty.
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Good Shepherd
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02 8571 7800
Community support programs including counselling and no-interest loans.
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Way Forward
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Support for people experiencing serious debt.
Financial information
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MoneySmart (Australian Government)
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Practical information about budgeting, debt, credit, and financial hardship.
Legal advice and rights support
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Legal Aid
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Find your local Legal Aid commission for free or low-cost advice.
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Community Legal Centres
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Local community legal services providing advice and support.
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Women’s Legal Service Australia
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www.familyrelationships.gov.au
Provides legal advice and outreach services, including family law support.
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Financial Rights Legal Centre
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financialrights.org.au/factsheet/financial-hardship/
Specialists in credit, loans, insurance, and financial hardship.
Complaints, regulators and financial rights
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Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
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Free and independent dispute resolution for financial complaints.
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Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA)
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Information about insolvency and bankruptcy processes.
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Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
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Australia’s financial services and consumer credit regulator.
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Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA)
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Australian Human Rights Commission – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
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Australia’s National Human Rights Institution
Advice and support
If you’re having challenges in other parts of your life, such as relationships, health, safety, or major life changes, there are organsations that can help.
Family violence and abuse support
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Police / Emergency Services
-
000
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call emergency services.
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1800RESPECT
-
1800 737 732
Confidential counselling and support for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
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The National Legal Aid Family Violence Law Help
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1800 737 732
Information about domestic and family violence and the law.
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Full Stop Australia
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1800 385 578
Trauma specialist counselling for people impacted by violence and abuse.
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1800 ELDERHelp
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1800 353 374
Information and referrals about elder abuse.
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Compass — Elder Abuse Knowledge Hub
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Information and resources for older Australians and families.
Mental health support
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Lifeline
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Beyond Blue
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Mental health support and information.
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13 YARN
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Dementia Australia
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National Dementia Helpline
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1800 100 500
Learn about support services and education programs.
Government assistance
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Services Australia (Centrelink)
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Family Relationship Advice Line
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www.familyrelationships.gov.au/talk-someone/advice-line
1800 050 321
Information about family relationship issues and parenting arrangements after separation.
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Child support
-
131 272
Information about child support arrangements.
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Victims Support ACT
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www.hrc.act.gov.au/victim-support
1800 822 272
Information, referrals, and potential financial assistance for victims of crime.
Important information
If you can’t pay on time, missed payments will show on your credit report and can lower your credit score. A financial hardship arrangement can make it easier for you to manage your payments. For example, you can ask us to change how often or how much you need to pay. This can help you to avoid missing payments affecting your credit report and stop your credit score going down. You can contact us by calling 1800 185 914 or filling out our online contact form.