Financial counselling is a free and confidential service offered by not-for-profit community organisations. They often provide services within prisons – ask if financial counsellors are available at your location. You may also be able to access a financial counsellor by phone, either arranged via your caseworker or with the contact details below.

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Financial counsellors are skilled professionals who provide advice and support to people struggling with bills and debt. A free financial counsellor can help you explore your options, negotiate with your creditors, put plans in place to manage your debts and get your finances back under control.

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Financial counsellors have specific knowledge about the credit, bankruptcy and debt collection laws, social security framework, grants and concessions available to help with cost of living, industry hardship obligations and how to access free dispute resolution through independent dispute resolution schemes. They are also trained in negotiation and counselling.

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Financial counsellors CAN assist you by:

• doing a full assessment of your financial situation – including regular income and expenditure, assets and liabilities
• understanding which debts are priorities
• developing a workable budget and money plan with you
• explaining your rights and the pros and cons of different options you have to manage your debts and financial hardship
• advocating and negotiating on your behalf directly with your creditors
• lodging complaints on your behalf to external dispute resolution schemes
• providing advice about what options, rights and responsibilities you may have
• referring you to other services you may need, such as legal services, health services and crisis food and accommodation services

Financial counsellors CAN also provide information and advice about:

• credit and debt related matters
• the rights and obligations of creditors
• how the debt collection and debt enforcement process works
• the pros and cons of bankruptcy and other insolvency options
• how to access other specialist support services, including gambling, family support, personal counselling, legal aid and emergency relief

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Financial counsellors DON’T:

• charge any set up fees and/or ongoing fees for their service
• receive any payments or commissions from third parties for their services
• lend money
• complete tax returns
• provide debt consolidation services
• provide investment advice (that’s the role of financial planners)

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National Debt Helpline – 1800 007 007

The free National Debt Helpline is open from 9:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

When you call, you'll be transferred to the service in your state.

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Mob Strong Debt Helpline – 1800 808 488

Mob Strong Debt Helpline is a free legal advice service about money matters for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from anywhere in Australia.

The helpline is open from 9:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

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Small Business Debt Helpline – 1800 413 828

If your business is in financial difficulty, call the Small Business Debt Helpline. The Helpline is open 9:00am to 5:30pm, Monday to Friday.