When the bills keep coming and there isn't enough money to cover them, it's easy to feel stuck, embarrassed, or like you should be able to sort it out on your own. You don't have to. Free financial counselling is available right across Australia, and it's one of the most useful and least known services around. This guide explains what financial counsellors do, how to reach one, and other help you can ask for in Victoria.
What is a financial counsellor?
A financial counsellor is a qualified professional who helps people in financial difficulty. Community financial counselling is free, confidential and independent. Counsellors don't work for banks or debt collectors and they don't sell anything. They can:
- look at your whole situation and help you work out which debts to deal with first
- explain your rights and options, including hardship arrangements
- contact banks, lenders, utility companies and debt collectors on your behalf
- help you apply for grants, concessions and hardship programs you may be eligible for
- explain what options like bankruptcy or debt agreements would actually mean before you decide anything
Financial counsellors don't lend or give money. What they do is help you get on top of what you owe and get the support you're entitled to.
How to reach one: the National Debt Helpline
Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or visit ndh.org.au. It's a free, not-for-profit service that connects you with a financial counsellor by phone or webchat, and can also refer you to one in your local area. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can call Mob Strong Debt Help on 1800 808 488 for free legal advice about money and debt.
Be careful of paid "debt help" companies
Some businesses advertise debt fixes, credit repair or debt agreements and charge high fees for things a free financial counsellor can do at no cost, or for things that may not be in your interest. Before you sign anything, speak to a free financial counsellor first. ASIC's Moneysmart website also has independent guidance.
Help with energy and water bills in Victoria
If you're behind on gas, electricity or water, contact your provider early and ask about their hardship program. In Victoria, energy retailers must offer assistance to customers having trouble paying. If you hold an eligible concession card and are facing a temporary crisis, you may also be able to apply for the Victorian Government's Utility Relief Grant Scheme through your provider. A financial counsellor can help you with both.
Help with essentials right now
If you need food or other essentials today, emergency relief services can help. Our guide to food vouchers and food relief explains how to find help, and Ask Izzy lists free local services including food, housing and money help. Some community organisations also offer no-interest loans through the Good Shepherd No Interest Loan Scheme for essentials like appliances or car repairs.
When money problems are part of something bigger
Financial stress often comes with other pressures, like separation, illness, caring for someone, losing work, or housing trouble. Sometimes it's more than stress. If a partner or family member controls your money, stops you working, or runs up debts in your name, that may be financial abuse, which is a form of family violence. You can call Safe Steps 24/7 on 1800 015 188 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. Financial counsellors are also trained to help with debts that come from family violence.
How Nhanya Foundation can help
Nhanya Foundation supports women, families and individuals in Melbourne's west who are doing it tough. We're not financial counsellors, but our advocacy and service navigation support can help you connect with a financial counsellor, work through forms and applications, and link in with housing, food and other support at the same time, so you're not doing it all alone.
Money worries piling up? Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007, or talk to Nhanya Foundation on 03 8595 9012 and we'll help you find the right support.