If you're struggling with debt, you have more rights than you think. Australian law requires your creditors to work with you — and there are free tools and services that can help right now.
Use these to take action right now — no sign-up, no cost.
Practical guides built from real casework. Each one tells you what to do first, who to call, and what the law says.
Australian law protects you when you can't pay. Creditors must follow specific rules — and you can escalate for free if they don't.
You don't need to pay anyone for debt help in Australia. These services are free, qualified, and confidential.
Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 for free, confidential financial counselling. You can also use TEKVA's free Hardship Helper tool to generate personalised hardship letters citing the laws that protect you, or explore our step-by-step debt guides.
Yes. Under the National Credit Code (NCC) section 72, you have a legal right to request a hardship variation on any regulated credit product including credit cards. Your bank must genuinely consider your application. If they refuse, you can escalate to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) for free.
Debt collectors must follow strict rules under ASIC Regulatory Guide 96. They cannot contact you more than 3 times per week, cannot call before 7:30am or after 9pm, cannot contact your employer, and cannot mislead or harass you. If they breach these rules, you can complain to AFCA or your state fair trading body.
A hardship program is a formal arrangement where your creditor adjusts your repayment terms because of financial difficulty. This can include reduced payments, paused payments, waived fees, or extended terms. You apply by contacting your creditor's hardship team — TEKVA's Hardship Helper tool can generate a letter for you citing the specific legislation.
Yes, and the law is on your side. Energy companies must offer hardship programs under the National Energy Retail Law. Banks must consider hardship applications under the NCC. Telcos must comply with the Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code. You don't need a debt management company — free financial counsellors and tools like TEKVA's Hardship Helper can help you do it yourself.
Yes. Financial counselling is completely free in Australia. Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007, or visit a community financial counselling service in your area. Financial counsellors are qualified professionals who can negotiate with creditors on your behalf, help you understand your options, and support you through the process.
Not sure where to start?
National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007 — free, confidential
Or talk to us — we can help you figure out the right next step.