Self Help Tools

The Australian Government ASIC Moneysmart website has links and resources for help with managing debt and money problems.
https://moneysmart.gov.au/managing-debt

Find the help you need from all the community services in your area.

https://askizzy.org.au/

All the information you need to know about Bankruptcy is on the Australian Financial Security Authority website:
https://www.afsa.gov.au/

If you've tried to solve a complaint or debt problem with the provider but it was not resolved you can contact the Ombudsman service:

Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) https://www.afca.org.au/

Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON) https://www.ewon.com.au/

Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) https://www.tio.com.au/

NSW Ombudsman: For complaints about NSW Government departments and local councils. https://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/

Find out all you need to know about credit scores and credit reports is on the ASIC Moneysmart website 
https://moneysmart.gov.au/managing-debt/credit-scores-and-credit-reports

If you want to know about how to fix or repair your credit score view this page on the ASIC Moneysmart website 
https://moneysmart.gov.au/managing-debt/credit-repair

Banks:
If you’re worried about money, contact your bank as soon as you can. Your bank is there to help you. The Australian Banking Association has all the bank contact details here: 
https://www.ausbanking.org.au/financial-assistance-hub/

Council rates and debts:
In 2018 the NSW Attorney Generals Department issued these Guidelines on Debt Management and Hardship https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/council-finances/debt-management-and-hardship-guidelines/

Fines:
If you're having difficulty paying a fine there may be options available:  https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/fines-and-fees/fines/difficulty-paying-your-fine

Strata debts:
Financial Rights Legal Centre https://financialrights.org.au/  
Marrickville Legal Centre https://www.mlc.org.au/services/strata/

Toll debts: Transurban Linkt Assist

EAPA vouchers can help you pay for your current residential electricity or gas bills if you're in a short-term financial crisis or emergency.
Apply on the Service NSW website: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/energy-accounts-payment-assistance-eapa-scheme

The Escaping Violence Payment (EVP) is an Australian Government program, designed to help people aged 18 and above who have: recently experienced intimate partner domestic violence; have a changed living situation; and are experiencing financial stress.
Application guidelines and criteria are on the Wesley and Uniting websites:
Uniting Vic/Tas
Wesley Mission

NSW Victims Services: 
Immediate Needs Support Package 

View the resources and assistance available on the Centre for Women's Economic Safety website https://cwes.org.au

Financial Rights Legal Centre Insurance Law Service is the only free, independent, national specialist insurance legal advice service in Australia.

You may be eligible for free legal assistance from Community Legal Centres or Legal Aid NSW. View their websites for more information:
Community Legal Centres NSW
Financial Rights Legal Centre
Seniors Rights Service
Tenants Union NSW
Welfare Rights Centre

If they are unable to help you they will refer you to someone who can.

A free nationwide legal advice and financial counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

They have information about things like Money Problems, Debt or Insurance & Super.
https://financialrights.org.au/getting-help/mob-strong-debt-help/

No Interest Loans (NILs) are a safe and affordable way to pay for essentials (loans up to $2,000) and for items like bond and rent in advance and if you’ve been affected by a natural disaster (loans up to $3,000). Loans not available for cash.
Good Shepherd administers No Interest Loans in partnership with not-for-profit community organisations across Australia.
Find a provider on the Good Shepherd Website https://goodshep.org.au/nils-provider-finder/#

Service NSW - Support is available across a wide range of household bills and activities. Find out what you could be eligible for.
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/concessions-rebates-and-assistance

Aboriginal Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services
https://www.tenants.org.au/aboriginal-tenants

Tenants' Union of NSW
The Tenants’ Union of NSW provides high quality legal advice, assistance, and information to renters, land lease community residents, Tenant Advocates, and community workers.
https://www.tenants.org.au/ 

Urgent Accommodation
If you urgently need accommodation, call Link2home on 1800 152 152 for an information and telephone referral service open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. More information here:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/if-you-need-emergency-accommodation

RFCS NSW can help you improve or turn around your farm business.

Home - Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW (RFCS) (rfcsnsw.com.au)

Call 1800 319 458

Small Business Debt Helpline
The Small Business Debt Helpline is a free service for small business owners in financial difficulty. Their team of qualified Financial Counsellors will listen and give you practical advice to help you get back on track.
Call 1800 413 828 
https://sbdh.org.au/

Service NSW Business Bureau https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/business

Beyond Blue - New Access for Small Business Owners
Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO) is a guided self-help mental health coaching program. 

It’s free, confidential and convenient. Available nationally by phone or video call, no GP referral is required. 

Over 6 sessions, your mental health coach will work with you to manage stress and overwhelm using straightforward problem-solving approaches.  Find out more: Guided self-help mental health coaching program. 

Tax Clinics - Free tax help for individuals and small business owners
https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/financial-difficulties-and-disasters/support-to-lodge-and-pay/national-tax-clinic-program

Tax Help - free program that helps eligible people earning $60,000 or less lodge their tax return online. https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/your-tax-return/help-and-support-to-lodge-your-tax-return/tax-help-program

Watch Financial Counsellors share their tips on the FCAN YouTube Channel. View the videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@financialcounsellors