Where to get financial help

Credit and debt hotline

If you have unpaid bills and a debt collector contacts you, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

Debt collectors are sometimes called mercantile agents.

The National Debt Helpline gives free advice.

You can also contact us for help.

For more information, contact the Financial Rights Legal Centre.

Community welfare agencies

Community welfare agencies can help if you are in financial difficulty.

They may be able to:

speak to your energy or water supplier for you
help you work out what you can afford to pay
refer you to a financial counsellor
refer you to other support services.

Some agencies also provide emergency help, such as:

EAPA payments
PAS credits for water
food, clothing or furniture
Telstra vouchers
No Interest Loan Scheme loans.

No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS)

The No Interest Loan Schemes (NILS) program helps people with low incomes. It gives interest-free loans. These loans can be used for new, energy-efficient appliances. Find a provider near you.

Tenancy advice services

If you are a tenant and have a problem with your landlord, contact Tenants NSW.

They may be able to help with issues such as:

water accounts
electrical repairs
plumbing repairs
access to meters.

Tenants NSW gives free advice and help.

Legal advice

A community legal centre may be able to give you free legal advice.

Community legal centres are independent, not-for-profit services.

They help people and communities across New South Wales.

They may provide:

legal advice
information
referrals.

Some centres give advice by phone.

Some centres also offer appointments after business hours.