Managing debt

If you are in debt and your situation is worrying you, it is important that you begin addressing it. While it can seem overwhelming, there is help available and steps you can take. Financial counsellors offer free, impartial, and confidential advice to help you get back on track. You should be highly cautious of debt assistance that charges upfront fees or receives commission.   

Seeking help

You should firstly speak with an impartial professional. The National Debt Helpline offers free and confidential advice from professional financial counsellors. You can contact the helpline on 1800 007 007 (9am - 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday). 

• You can also see the National Debt Helpline's website for a number of step-by-step guides for managing a number of common debt problems. 
   
• The Australian Government's Moneysmart initiative provides useful information and resources on a range of financial topics. In particular, see their pages on Managing debt and Urgent help with money for useful information and advice.

Further support

• Care is a Canberra organisation offering free, confidential, professional financial counselling. They can assist with credit, debt, budgeting, gambling harm, consumer law issues, or seeking a microfinance loan to purchase essential goods and services. You can contact Care on 1800 007 007 (via the National Debt Helpline). 
   
• Mob Strong Debt Helpline is a free legal advice service for financial matters for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You can contact the helpline on 1800 808 488 (9.30am - 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday). 

More Resources

• See the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's useful page Where to get help when you're in debt.

Mental health support

Debt can be distressing. There may be other things going on if your life as well, making it difficult to address. Talking with a professional could help you gain a sense of clarity. A counsellor or psychologist may also be able to assist with strategies to cope and move forward. See a list of the University's support services for more information.