Financial support directory

Understanding and managing your financial position can sometimes be a lot, here is some information and links to help you.

Quick links

Here are the forms most often needed for hardship assistance and life changes or challenges. If you'd rather speak to someone, please get in touch.

Home loan hardship request form →
Term deposit hardship request form →
Early release of super: severe hardship form →

Know Your Customer - Statement of Referee form →
Change Account Signing Authority form →

Third Party Access form →
Financial counsellor authorisation form →

Calculators

Use our handy calculators to see the difference small changes can make to your budget, savings or home loan.

Financial counsellors

If you’re suffering financial hardship, it may help to talk to a financial counsellor who can provide guidance on how to manage your debts and finances. For free financial counselling, call 1800 007 007 or visit the National Debt Helpline.  

If you choose to use a financial counsellor and you would like us to talk to them, you'll need to complete a Financial Counsellor Authorisation form. Your financial counsellor will help you complete this form (or their own version).

Good Shepherd

If you’re experiencing hardship, have trouble managing your money or going through tough times, Good Shepherd offer support services, financial counselling and a program to help build your money skills.

Phone: 1300 054 500

Learn more

Community and government support directory

Here’s a list of community and government organisations that offer further support and services.

Government payments and support

Name	Details	Website	Phone
Services Australia (Centrelink)	Information about Centrelink social security payments and services.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/centrelink
Australian government concessions	Concession and health care cards, plus information about concessions available in your state or territory.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/concession-and-health-care-cards
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)	Provides funding to eligible people with disability to gain an improved quality of life. Connects anyone with disability to services in their community.	ndis.gov.au	1800 800 110
My Aged Care	Australian Government-funded aged care services.	myagedcare.gov.au	1800 020 103
Natural disaster support	Support for people directly affected by a declared natural disaster. You may be able to get both Australian Government and state or territory support.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster-support
Australian Taxation Office	Information about managing tax and super if you experience financial difficulties or disasters.	ato.gov.au
Find unclaimed money	Simple search tools to find unclaimed money from banks, shares and life insurance.	moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/find-unclaimed-money

Emergency relief

Name	Details	Website	Phone
Ask Izzy	Connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, support with violence at home, mental health and more.	askizzy.org.au
Uniting	Provides help, support & guidance, food parcels and financial assistance.	uniting.org
Mission Australia	Helps meet basic needs in times of crisis or hardship with food vouchers, travel vouchers and limited financial assistance for rental bonds.	missionaustralia.com.au
Services Australia (Centrelink) crisis payments	A one-off non-taxable payment if you’ve experienced an extreme circumstance and are in severe financial hardship.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/crisis-payment	1800 020 103
No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS)	Access to fair and safe loans for eligible people on low incomes, with no interest, fees or charges, and affordable repayments over up to 2 years. Find out if you’re eligible and what it can be used for.	goodshep.org.au/services/nils

Managing money, debt and financial hardship

Name	Details	Website	Phone
Money Smart	Financial guidance for all Australians, including tips and tools to help make the most of your money. An initiative of the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC).	moneysmart.gov.au
Way Forward	Free advice and financial support to help deal with debt and set up a solution including handling creditors, negotiating better outcomes and providing debt relief.	wayforward.org.au	1300 045 502
National Debt Helpline	Financial counselling is a free, confidential service to assist if you’re in financial difficulty.	ndh.org.au	1800 007 007
Good Shepherd	Good Shepherd provides no-interest loans, counselling and a Financial Independence Hub to help build confidence, capability and independence.	goodshep.org.au	1300 054 500 9am – 5pm (Sydney time)
Services Australia	Tips and information on managing your money.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/manage-your-money
Saver Plus –Brotherhood of St Laurence	Saver Plus is a financial education program for families and individuals on a tight budget to develop life-long savings habits. Build financial skills and receive up to $500 (matched savings) to assist with education costs.	bsl.org.au	1300 610 355
Credit Smart	Helpful information on financial hardship arrangements, what’s reported on your credit report and further support.	creditsmart.org.au/financial-hardship

Legal help

Name		Details		Website
National Association of Community Legal Centres		Community Legal Centres provide legal and related services to socially and economically disadvantaged people. Find a Community Legal Centre near you.		clcs.org.au/legal-help
Legal Aid		Legal Aid is a government service in each state and territory that provides free legal services. Find contact details for state and territory legal aid offices.		nationallegalaid.org/contact

Mental health support

Name	Details	Website	Phone
Beyond Blue	Mental health support for people who are concerned about anxiety, depression or suicide. Talk to a trained counsellor by phone or online chat.	beyondblue.org.au	1300 22 46 36 Available 24/7
Lifeline	A confidential service providing support to anyone in Australia who is feeling overwhelmed, having difficulty coping or thinking about suicide. Call or online chat.	lifeline.org.au	13 11 14 Available 24/7
Suicide Call Back Service	Free phone and online counselling for people at risk of suicide, concerned about someone at risk, and bereaved by suicide.	suicidecallbackservice.org.au	1300 659 467 Available 24/7
Kids Help Line	Free, confidential counselling, mental health and wellbeing information and referrals for young people aged 5 to 25 years. Call or online chat.	kidshelpline.com.au	1800 551 800 Available 24/7
Mensline Australia	Free telephone and online counselling for men. Qualified counsellors specialise in relationship breakdown, separation and divorce, parenting, family violence, and emotional wellbeing.	mensline.org.au	1300 78 99 78 Available 24/7
GriefLine	GriefLine provides free confidential telephone support for people experiencing grief or loss.	griefline.org.au	1300 845 745 8am - 8pm, 7 days a week
13YARN	National crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. Talk one-on-one with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. Free and confidential service available 24/7 from any mobile or pay phone.	13yarn.org.au	13 92 76 Available 24/7
Head to Health	The Head to Health National Digital Mental Health Gateway provides easy access to digital mental health services, information and support.	headtohealth.gov.au
Australian Department of Health	Information about mental health support and services.	health.gov.au/health-topics/mental-health

Domestic and family violence support, including financial abuse and elder abuse

Name	Details	Website	Phone
1800Respect	Free, confidential information, counselling and support service for anyone in Australia who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence or sexual assault.	1800respect.org.au	1800 737 732 Available 24/7
Mensline Australia	A free telephone and online counselling service offering support for men anywhere, anytime. Qualified counsellors specialise in family and relationship issues, including relationship breakdown, separation and divorce, parenting, family violence, and emotional wellbeing.	mensline.org.au	1300 78 99 78 Available 24/7
Good Shepherd	Good Shepherd offer support services, financial counselling and a financial independence program to help you feel more confident with money and build your financial skills.	goodshep.org.au/services/fih	1300 054 500 9am – 5pm (Sydney time)
Relationships Australia	Support groups and counselling on relationships, and for abusive and abused partners.	relationships.org.au	1300 364 277
State-based support	Find domestic and family violence support services in your state via the Department of Social Services website.	dss.gov.au/ending-violence/help-and-support
Compass 1800 ELDERHelp	Elder abuse victim support. National number redirects you to the phone line in your state or territory. Operating hours and services vary.	compass.info/resources	1800 353 374 (1800 ELDERHelp)

Homelessness and crisis accommodation

Name	Details	Website	Phone
Homelessness Australia	Find support organisations in your state or territory that can help you if you’re homeless, at risk of being homeless or experiencing domestic and family violence.	homelessnessaustralia.org.au/homelessness-services
Ask Izzy	Free and anonymous website to search for housing, food, health care and legal help in your area.	askizzy.org.au
Mission Australia	Mission Australia manages community housing across Australia and can help you look for a home.	missionaustralia.com.au/housing	1800 269 672
Australian Red Cross	The Red Cross can help you look for suitable shelter. They also give meals to people with low incomes or housing problems.	redcross.org.au/get-help/community-services/homelessness-services	1800 733 276
Salvation Army	The Salvation Army helps people across Australia to find housing and support services.	salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/homelessness-support-services	13 72 58 (13 SALVOS)
Vinnies (St Vincent de Paul Society)	Vinnies offers services across Australia that help people in need.	vinnies.org.au	13 18 12
Uniting	Uniting support young people, adults, and families who are homeless, at risk of being homeless, or escaping domestic violence.	uniting.org/services/housing-and-homelessness	1800 864 846 (1800 UNITING) 8am - 6pm, Monday to Friday

Addiction support - drugs, alcohol, gambling

Name	Details	Website	Phone
Gambling Help Online	Free anonymous help for anyone affected by gambling.	gamblinghelponline.org.au	1800 858 858 Available 24/7
Alcohol Drug Information Service (ADIS)	Confidential support for people struggling with addiction.	health.gov.au/our-work/drug-help	1800 250 015 Available 24/7
SMART Recovery Australia (Self Management and Recovery Training)	A free group program assisting any problematic behaviours, including addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food, shopping, Internet and others.	smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au
Narcotics Anonymous	A nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. NA are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean.	na.org.au	1300 652 820
Alcoholics Anonymous	A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.	aa.org.au	1300 222 222

Unemployment, job loss or redundancy

Name	Details	Website	Phone
Workforce Australia	Workforce Australia is a place Australians can search and apply for jobs or find more information on their pathway to employment.	workforceaustralia.gov.au
Job Access	Gives people with disability, employers, service providers and the community access to information about services, financial assistance and workplace solutions.	jobaccess.gov.au
Services Australia (Centrelink)	Services and payments to help you if you’re unemployed. What you can get depends on your circumstances. If you get a redundancy payment, a waiting period may apply before support payments can start.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/work
Financial Information Service	Services Australia provide a free financial service to help you make decisions about your finances.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/financial-information-service	13 23 00
Fair Entitlements Guarantee	If your employer went bankrupt or into liquidation and owed you entitlements, you may get financial help from the Australian Government (Department of Employment & Workplace Relations).	dewr.gov.au/fair-entitlements-guarantee
Fair Work Ombudsman	If you lost your job and didn’t get your entitlements, the Fair Work Ombudsman may help recover what’s outstanding.	fairwork.gov.au	13 13 94 Check what to do before you call.

Physical illness or injury, disability support

Name	Details	Website	Phone
Department of Health	Information about health support and services listed by topic.	health.gov.au/health-topics
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Agency)	The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability to gain an improved quality of life. The NDIS also connects anyone with disability to services in their community.	ndis.gov.au
Healthdirect Australia	Speak to a registered nurse about your health concerns. It can help if you're not sure if you should see a doctor or manage your condition at home.	healthdirect.gov.au	1800 022 222 Available 24/7
Services Australia	Access Medicare and some health services at low or no cost. Help for people with disability or if you're caring for someone.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/health-and-disability
Disability Gateway	Information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers, to find the support they need in Australia.	disabilitygateway.gov.au
Job Access	Gives people with disability, employers, service providers and the community access to information about services, financial assistance and workplace solutions.	jobaccess.gov.au
Disability Advocacy Finder	Find a Disability Advocate near you - someone who can ensure your choices and rights are respected and you are being treated fairly.	askizzy.org.au/disability-advocacy-finder

Seniors services and support

Name	Details	Website	Phone
My Aged Care	Australian Government-funded aged care services.	myagedcare.gov.au	1800 200 422
Compass (1800 ELDERHelp)	Elder abuse victim support. The national number redirects you to the phone line in your state or territory. Operating hours and services vary.	compass.info/resources	1800 353 374 (1800 ELDERHelp)
Dementia Australia	Information for people living with dementia, and for their family, friends and carers.	dementia.org.au	1800 100 500
Dementia Support Australia	Dementia Support Australia helps health care professionals and family members supporting a person living with dementia. Specialised clinical support and advice for carers of people living with dementia when they experience changes in behaviour.	dementia.com.au	1800 699 799 Available 24/7
Australian Red Cross	Social support and aged care services.	redcross.org.au/services/services-for-older-people
G’Day Line	Free national phone support service which offers older Australians an opportunity to have an anonymous, friendly chat with a volunteer over the phone.	griefline.org.au/gday-line	1300 920 552 8am - 8pm, 7 days a week
Advance Care Planning Australia	Advance care planning involves making some decisions now about the health care you would or would not like to receive if you were to become seriously ill and unable to communicate your preferences or make treatment decisions.	advancecareplanning.org.au
eSafety Seniors	Online safety advice and support for older Australians.	esafety.gov.au/seniors
Council on the Ageing (COTA)	Consumer body protecting the wellbeing of older people.	cota.org.au

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander services and support

Name	Details	Website	Phone
Mob Strong Debt Help line	A free nationwide legal advice and financial counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Information about money problems, debt or insurance & super.	financialrights.org.au	1800 808 488 9.30am - 4.30pm (Sydney time), Monday to Friday
Money Smart	Information and resources on managing money for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.	moneysmart.gov.au/indigenous
Brother to Brother	The Brother to Brother crisis line provides phone support for Aboriginal men who need someone to talk to about relationship issues, family violence, parenting, drug and alcohol issues or who are struggling to cope for other reasons.	dardimunwurro.com.au	1800 435 799
Thirrili (after suicide support)	Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the aftermath of suicide or other fatal critical incidents.	thirrili.com.au	1800 805 801 Available 24/7
National Indigenous support	Connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with Australian Government policies and programs.	indigenous.gov.au
Services Australia (Centrelink)	There is a range of payments and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/payments-and-support-for-indigenous-australians
Connection, Strength and Resilience Portal (NACCHO)	Resources aimed at supporting resilience and reducing social and emotional harms to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.	naccho.org.au/connection-strength-resilience
Australian Taxation Office Indigenous helpline	Help with tax and super for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, businesses and not-for-profit organisations. If you’re on a low income, you can get free help from our trained volunteers at tax time.	ato.gov.au/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples	13 10 30

Rural & regional services and support

Name	Details	Website	Phone
Rural Financial Counselling Service	Free, unbiased, independent, confidential and expert support for farmers, fishers, foresters and other rural businesses. RFCS Network’s national information line will connect you with your nearest RFCS office.	agriculture.gov.au	1300 771 741
Rural Aid	Disaster support and programs that increase the resilience and sustainability of farmers, families and rural communities.	ruralaid.org.au	1300 327 624
Virtual Psychologist	Free text-based counselling for rural and remote Australians. Appointments 9am – 8pm, subject to availability.		Text 0488 807 266
TIACS (This Is A Conversation Starter)	Free, confidential counselling service for tradies, truckies, farmers, rural and blue-collar workers, and those that care about them. Up to 8 free sessions via text or call with the same counsellor.	tiacs.org/how-it-works	0488 846 988 Call or text 8am - 10pm, Monday to Friday
Are you Bogged Mate?	Helping country blokes talk about mental health and suicide while spreading awareness about depression in the bush.	areyouboggedmate.com.au
ifarmwell	Free online tool kit to help farmers cope effectively with life’s challenges and get the most out of every day, regardless of the circumstances they face.	ifarmwell.com.au
Natural disaster support	Support for people directly affected by a declared natural disaster. You may be able to get both Australian Government and state or territory natural disaster support.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster-support
Services Australia (Centrelink)	There are payments and services available to support you if you live in a rural or remote area of Australia.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/living-rural-or-remote-area

Family and relationships services and support

Name	Details	Website	Phone
Mensline Australia	A free telephone and online counselling service offering support for men anywhere, anytime. Qualified counsellors specialise in family and relationship issues, including relationship breakdown, separation and divorce, parenting, family violence, and emotional wellbeing.	mensline.org.au	1300 78 99 78 Available 24/7
QLife	QLife provides anonymous, LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Our services are for LGBTIQ+ individuals, their friends and families, and health professionals.	qlife.org.au	1800 184 527 3pm – midnight, 7 days
Relationships Australia	Relationships Australia is a leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities.	relationships.org.au	1300 364 277
Divorce & separation financial checklist	ASIC’s Moneysmart website has a checklist with practical steps to organise and separate your finances after a break-up.	moneysmart.gov.au
Family Relationship Advice Line	A national telephone service that helps families affected by relationship or separation issues, including information on parenting arrangements after separation.	familyrelationships.gov.au	1800 050 321 8am - 8pm, Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm, Saturday
GriefLine	A national helpline that offers free, compassionate and confidential support for grief and loss.	griefline.org.au	1300 845 745 8am - 8pm, 7 days a week
Services Australia (Centrelink)	Information about how separating affects your payments. Help with child support arrangements between separated parents.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/separated-parents

Parents and carers services and support

Name	Details	Website	Phone
COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence)	Providing support for the emotional challenges of becoming a parent.	cope.org.au	1 300 740 398 9am - 5pm (AEST), Monday to Friday
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)	PANDA supports the mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and in their first year of parenthood.	panda.org.au	1300 726 306 9am - 7.30pm, Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm, Saturdays
Kids Help Line	Free confidential and private counselling, mental health and wellbeing information and referrals for young people aged 5 to 25 years. Call or chat online.	kidshelpline.com.au	1800 551 800 Available 24/7
ReachOut	A national online mental health organisation for young people and their parents. Practical support, tools and tips help young people get through anything from everyday issues to tough times.	au.reachout.com	13 11 14 Available 24/7
Services Australia (Centrelink)	Payments and services to help with the cost of raising a child. Information about child care and child support.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/raising-kids
Carer Gateway	Emotional and practical support and services for carers – including counselling, skills coaching and respite.	carergateway.gov.au	1800 422 737
Services Australia (Centrelink)	Payments, allowances and support for carers.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/getting-support-if-youre-caring-for-someone

Limited English and number skills

Name	Details	Website	Phone
Translating and Interpreting Service National (TIS National)	TIS National is an interpreting service for people with limited or no English to access services and information in Australia. Services are provided over the phone, via video conference, or in person at appointments.	tisnational.gov.au/en/Non-English-speakers/Available-services	131 450 Available 24/7
Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)	Learning English can help you to settle into your new life in Australia. You may be eligible for free English language tuition if you are a migrant or humanitarian entrant. View information about AMEP in different languages.	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/settling-in-australia/amep
Reading Writing Hotline	A free national referral service for adults who want help with reading, writing or basic maths.	readingwritinghotline.edu.au	1300 6 555 06

Natural disaster support

Name	Details	Website	Phone
Triple Zero (000) Emergency services	If you need urgent help from police, fire or ambulance services, call triple zero (000).	triplezero.gov.au	000
State Emergency Services (SES)	SES volunteers are trained to assist in a wide range of emergency situations, and can provide invaluable support during times of crisis.	ses.org.au	132 500 For emergency help in flood and storm
Australian Bureau of Meteorology	Weather warnings including flood, fire, heatwave, tropical cyclone and tsunami.	bom.gov.au
National Emergency Management Agency	Helping communities in times of emergency while preparing Australia for future disasters.	nema.gov.au
Natural disaster support	Support for people directly affected by a declared natural disaster. You may be able to get both Australian Government and state or territory natural disaster support.	servicesaustralia.gov.au/natural-disaster-support
Disaster Assist (Australian Government)	The Disaster Assist website provides information on support for disaster-impacted areas. If a disaster has been declared in your Local Government Area you can apply for disaster recovery payments.	disasterassist.gov.au
healthdirect	Preparing for a natural disaster, coping and recovering.	healthdirect.gov.au/natural-disasters
Australian Red Cross	Practical help and resources to use before, during and after emergencies. Download an emergency REDiPlan or their Get Prepared app.	redcross.org.au/emergencies	1800 733 276 (1800 RED CROSS)
Lifeline	A confidential service providing support to anyone in Australia who is feeling overwhelmed, having difficulty coping or thinking about suicide. Call or online chat available 24/7.	lifeline.org.au	13 11 14
GriefLine	A national helpline that offers free, compassionate and confidential support for grief and loss.	griefline.org.au	1300 845 745 8am - 8pm, 7 days a week

Small business support

Name	Details	Website	Phone
Small Business Debt Helpline	Free, independent and confidential advice and financial counselling for small business owners and sole traders.	sbdh.org.au	1800 413 828 9am - 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
Rural Financial Counselling Service	Free, unbiased, independent, confidential and expert support for farmers, fishers, foresters and other rural businesses. RFCS Network’s national information line will connect you with your nearest RFCS office.	agriculture.gov.au	1300 771 741
RIC (Regional Investment Corporation)	An Australian Government provider of low-interest loans for eligible farm businesses and farm-related businesses.	ric.gov.au	1800 875 675 8.30am - 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (except NSW public holidays).