IMMEDIATE MONEY HELP

If you are you behind on your bills, struggling with debt repayments or unable to cover basic living expenses, there are organisations that can help you manage.

Where to find help?

Relief Trust Funds

Each of the Services, Army, Navy and Air Force, has a trust fund which can provide loans and grants to ADF members experiencing financial difficulty. ADF members who are suffering financial hardship due to physical or mental injuries, as a result of service, may also be eligible for assistance through the Bravery Trust.

To contact the appropriate source, go to:

National Debt Helpline

You can find a financial counsellor near you for a face-to-face appointment by visiting the National Debt Helpline website, calling 1800 007 007, or contacting us for a referral.

A Financial Counsellor can help

A financial counsellor is a qualified professional who can provide you with information, advice and advocacy if you are experiencing financial difficulty. It’s a free service that’s non-judgmental, independent and confidential. They will listen and provide emotional support. Financial counsellors do not sell products.

Financial counsellors are often based in community organisations, charities and local government agencies throughout Australia.

If you are in debt or are unable to meet your ongoing expenses, a financial counsellor may be able to help you:

  • Prioritise your debts and deal with your current crisis
  • Negotiate with creditors
  • Access dispute resolution services
  • Develop a budget and put systems in place so you are less likely to fall into financial difficulty again in the future
  • Access grants or concessions
  • Understand your rights and access legal help if necessary.

Financial counsellors are not the same as financial planners or financial advisers. Financial advisers provide financial planning and investment advice for people with money to invest. If you are looking for a financial adviser, visit Getting Financial Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

1How do I know whether I should go to a financial adviser or a financial counsellor?
If you have money and want advice about how best to use it, you need to talk to a financial adviser. A financial adviser will charge a fee.
If you have financial difficulties, problems with debt or can’t manage on your income, a financial counsellor may be able to help. Financial counsellors do not charge a fee.
2What is financial counselling?
Financial counselling is a free service provided to people in financial difficulty. Financial counselling is provided through agencies that must meet specific standards and are funded to employ financial counsellors whose conduct is governed by corporations and credit laws as well as a code of ethical practice.
3What is a financial counsellor?
A financial counsellor is a qualified professional who provides information, advice and advocacy to people in financial difficulty and is not a financial planner or financial adviser. Their services should be non-judgmental, free, independent and confidential.
4What do financial counsellors do?
Financial counsellors provide information, advice, advocacy and support for people in financial difficulty and debt. Their services should be non-judgmental, free, independent and confidential.
5How can a financial counsellor help me?
A Financial counsellor is able to work with you to undertake a full financial assessment of your situation including your income, expenses and liabilities. That way, the financial counsellor can work out whether debts are legally owed and what advocacy and actions may be required to reduce any debt, increase income and assist you to stabilise your financial situation. Financial counsellors provide information about ways to handle financial difficulties and are educated about the application of laws and codes concerning consumer protections and regulation.
1What sort of information will I need to provide to the financial counsellor if I decide I need to see one?
In order to help you, a Financial counsellor will need accurate and up-to-date information about your finances. You will therefore need to be prepared to be open and honest with your financial counsellor about your financial situation. They may ask you to provide them with statements of your income, bank statements, tax returns and other financial documents.
2How do I know that the financial counsellor will keep my information safe?
The financial counsellor is bound by law and a code of ethical practice to protect you and your financial information. Privacy legislation (the Privacy Act) means that the financial counsellor can only disclose information to creditors with your express permission every time this needs to be undertaken and cannot provide information to any other third party, including your superiors at work or your friends and family.
3Can I get someone to come with me to see the financial counsellor?
Yes. You are entitled to bring a support person to any financial counselling appointment, but this person cannot make decisions for you or influence the financial counselling process. Sometimes social workers, mental health support workers or advocates can provide support at financial counselling appointments by arrangement with the financial counsellor.
4How can I find a financial counsellor?
In order to find a financial counsellor first read our page on immediate money help. Then the MoneySmart page on financial counselling which has information about how to find a financial counsellor. You may also call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 for free from anywhere in Australia.
5Where can I find out more information about financial counselling and ways to manage my debts?
We recommend the following webpages: