Resource
National Debt Helpline
Also known as: NDH
Free, confidential personal financial counselling — for the personal side of a sole trader's debts, or anyone whose business has folded and is now dealing with creditors as an individual.
About this service
The National Debt Helpline is the personal-debt counterpart to the Small Business Debt Helpline. It is operated by Financial Counselling Australia and provides free, confidential, independent financial counselling for individuals. For sole traders, NDH covers the personal half of any debt position — credit cards, personal loans, the mortgage, personal tax debt — while the Small Business Debt Helpline covers the business half. NDH counsellors can also help if the business has already wound down and the remaining debts have followed the owner personally.
When to use
Your business has wound down and creditors are now chasing you personally. You're a sole trader and want to understand which of your debts are business vs personal. Personal credit cards, the mortgage, or personal tax debt are out of control.
When not to use
You are still running a business and the pressure is business-side — start with the Small Business Debt Helpline.
Who they help
Anyone with personal debt — credit cards, personal loans, mortgages, fines, utility arrears, personal tax debt. Useful for sole traders untangling which debts are personal and which are business. Useful for former directors whose company has closed but personal guarantees remain.
Who they don't help
For a live trading business owner with business-side debts, call the Small Business Debt Helpline first — they handle both halves better. For acute mental health crisis, call Lifeline.
Strengths
National coverage. Long live-chat window. Counsellors trained in hardship, consumer protections, and dealing with collectors. Will help you write a hardship letter or talk through options including Part IX debt agreements and personal bankruptcy.
Limitations
Phone-and-chat only. Personal lens only — business-specific issues route to SBDH.
Source authority
ndh.org.auOften used alongside
Small Business Debt Helpline
Free, confidential, specialist financial counselling for sole traders and small business owners — tax debt, BAS, supplier pressure, insolvency options.
AFSA — Find a Practitioner
The official register of registered trustees and debt agreement administrators for personal insolvency. The sole-trader insolvency path goes through AFSA.
Search is free. Trustee and administrator fees vary; agree fees in writing before any engagement. Be wary of operators who advertise heavily — call the National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007 for an independent opinion before signing anything.
Good Shepherd — No Interest Loans (NILS)
No-interest loans up to $2,000 for essential goods and services, and up to $3,000 for housing-related expenses. For people on low incomes, including sole traders under pressure.
No interest, no fees, no charges. Loan amount is what you repay.
We do not refer to commercial debt-relief operators.
Every service we point you to is free or low-cost, government-funded or not-for-profit, and independent of creditors. If a paid operator is offering to negotiate your ATO debt or run a Part IX agreement for a fee, talk to the Small Business Debt Helpline first — 1800 413 828, free.
TEKVA provides information, not financial counselling or legal advice. Phone numbers, URLs, and operating hours were checked on 26 May 2026.