If you are behind on bills in Sydney, the two most useful first steps are calling the free National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007, and asking every provider you owe for their hardship program. Both are free, and neither affects your credit the way missed payments do.
Ask for hardship, before you fall behind
Energy, water, telco and credit providers in Australia are required to have hardship policies. These can reduce payments, pause them, or spread arrears over a longer period. The catch is that almost nobody asks, because it feels embarrassing.
It should not. Hardship teams deal with this daily, and they would rather arrange a smaller payment than chase a debt. Call before you miss a payment if you can, because options are broader while the account is still current.
Free financial counselling
Financial counsellors are free, independent and confidential. They can negotiate with creditors for you, explain your options, and often achieve outcomes an individual cannot. Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
Be wary of any service charging fees to manage your debts. The genuinely useful help in this space costs nothing.
Energy bill support in NSW
The NSW Government offers rebates and an Energy Accounts Payment Assistance scheme for people facing a short-term crisis. Concession card holders may be eligible for ongoing rebates that are not always applied automatically, so it is worth checking directly with Service NSW that yours are.
Fines you cannot pay
Unpaid fines escalate quickly into licence suspensions and enforcement costs. If you are experiencing hardship, a Work and Development Order lets you clear Revenue NSW fines through community work, courses or treatment instead of cash. House of Sadaqa is an approved WDO sponsor.
You can also apply to Revenue NSW directly for a payment plan or a write-off in cases of genuine hardship.
When the problem is not just bills
Sometimes the shortfall is more basic than cash flow, such as a fridge that has died or a home with no beds. Our Family Support Program provides whitegoods, furniture and household essentials to families in crisis, by referral through a caseworker or support service.
Money stress takes a real toll. If things feel overwhelming, Lifeline is available 24 hours on 13 11 14. Financial problems are solvable, even when they do not feel that way.
Frequently asked questions
Who can I call for free help with debt in Australia?
The National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 provides free, confidential and independent financial counselling. Counsellors can negotiate with creditors on your behalf.
What is a hardship program?
Energy, water, telco and credit providers are required to offer hardship arrangements, which can reduce or pause payments or spread arrears over a longer period. You need to ask for it.
Can I get help with my energy bill in NSW?
Yes. The NSW Government offers rebates and an Energy Accounts Payment Assistance scheme for short-term crises. Check with Service NSW that any concessions you qualify for are being applied.
What if I cannot pay my fines?
A Work and Development Order allows eligible people experiencing hardship to clear Revenue NSW fines through community work or courses instead of money. You can also request a payment plan from Revenue NSW.
Should I pay a company to fix my debts?
Generally no. Free financial counselling through the National Debt Helpline is independent and effective, and fee-charging debt management services can leave you worse off.
Support the work behind this article
House of Sadaqa is a registered Australian charity helping local families in crisis with household essentials, whitegoods and emergency relief. There are three direct ways to be part of it:
- Donate, with donations over $2 tax-deductible
- Volunteer your time in the warehouse, on outreach runs, or at events
- Clear a NSW fine through a Work and Development Order
You can also support us without donating a cent, simply by choosing one of our social enterprises. Each one puts its profits back into supporting families:
- Goodwill Connect, NBN internet for Greater Sydney
- Panda Paper, premium bamboo toilet paper delivered to your door
- The Goodwill Laundry, self-serve laundry in Bankstown
- The Goodwill Shop, our op-shops in Revesby and Bankstown