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 create a clear, professional hardship letter you can send to your provider, or explore our step-by-step debt guides.
Yes. Under Australian law, 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 and respond. If they refuse, you can escalate to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) for free.
Debt collectors have rules to follow. The ACCC and ASIC debt collection guideline says they should not contact you more than three times a week or ten times a month about an account, and should only call between 7:30am and 9pm on weekdays or 9am and 9pm at weekends. They can contact you at work, but they must not tell your employer or your colleagues that it is about a debt. Harassment and coercion are against the law. 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, and TEKVA's Hardship Helper tool can create a clear, professional letter for you to send.
Yes, and the law is on your side. Under Australian law, energy providers, banks and telcos must consider a hardship request and respond. They don't have to say yes, but they must consider it, and many will offer a payment plan or other options. 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. The phone counsellor can explain your options and coach you on what to say to creditors, and a face-to-face financial counsellor can negotiate with creditors on your behalf.
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.