Extra support resources

If you don't know where to start, information on options available to you can be found at Urgent help with money - Moneysmart.gov.au

Financial counsellors are skilled professionals. They will listen to your problems and help you with things like:

• bills or fines you're struggling to pay
• being contacted by debt collectors
• gas, electricity or phone disconnection
• being evicted from your house
• car accidents with no insurance
• tax debts

Financial Counsellors can also help you plan and negotiate with your mortgage or credit providers. 

Financial counselling is a free and confidential service offered by community organisations, community legal centres and some government agencies. You should never pay for financial counselling. Businesses that charge fees for this are debt consolidation and refinancing companies.

Financial counsellors do not offer legal advice. Free legal advice is available at community legal centres and Legal Aid offices across Australia. For more information visit Free legal advice - Moneysmart.gov.au

If you want to find a financial counsellor, call the National Debt Helpline at 1800 007 007 between 9.30am and 4.30pm from Monday to Friday. Your call will be transferred to the service in your state. You can also visit their website at ndh.org.au for more information.

If you are a small business, there is now a dedicated Small Business Debt Helpline. They can be reached at 1800 413 828 or you can visit their website at sbdh.org.au.