National Debt Helpline
Free, independent and confidential phone advice from professional financial counsellors across Australia.
In this profile
- Explain what the National Debt Helpline is and that it is free to call
- Show who can use the service and the kinds of money worries it covers
- Describe what a financial counsellor can do for someone in debt
- Reassure readers that asking for help early is a sensible, supported step
- Point readers to the official website for current contact details
6 min
What it is
The National Debt Helpline is a free, independent and confidential service that connects people with professional financial counsellors. It is not a government department, a debt collector or a sales line — the counsellors do not sell products and have nothing to gain from the advice they give. Their only job is to help you understand your options and feel more in control of your money.
The national phone number is 1800 007 007. The service is run by financial counselling organisations and supported through community funding, which is why it costs nothing to use. You can also read self-help fact sheets and sample letters on the official website at ndh.org.au.
Who it helps
The helpline is for everyday people who are worried about money. You might be behind on a credit card, struggling with a personal loan, facing a utility disconnection, dealing with a letter of demand, or simply lying awake wondering how to make ends meet. You do not need to be in crisis to call, and you do not need to have a certain amount of debt.
People from all walks of life use the service — including those on low incomes, people who have lost work or hours, carers, renters and small operators with personal debts. The counsellors are non-judgemental and used to hearing every kind of situation.
What help it offers
A financial counsellor can help you list your debts, work out a realistic budget, and understand which bills are most urgent. They can explain your rights, talk through options such as hardship arrangements, payment plans or formal debt solutions, and in many cases speak to creditors on your behalf. They can also refer you to other supports if you need legal advice or wellbeing help.
Importantly, the service is about giving you choices, not pushing one answer. You stay in control of every decision. For a plain-English overview of how this works, see our guide to finding support services.
When to reach out
The best time to call is as soon as money starts to feel unmanageable — but it is never too late. Reaching out early often means more options are still open, such as negotiating before an account is sent to recovery. If you are already receiving demands or court documents, a counsellor can still help you understand what to do next.
You do not have to wait until you have all the paperwork in order. A counsellor will help you work through whatever you have.
How to get in touch
You can call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007, generally on weekdays during business hours. There is also a web chat option and a library of free resources on the official site. Please check the official website for current details, including opening hours and chat availability, as these can change.
The official website is ndh.org.au. The call is free from landlines, though some mobile providers may charge.
Key takeaways
- The National Debt Helpline is free, confidential and independent — 1800 007 007
- Professional financial counsellors help you understand options and talk to creditors
- You do not need to be in crisis or have a set amount of debt to call
- Check the official website (ndh.org.au) for current hours and contact details
Frequently asked questions
Does the National Debt Helpline cost anything?
No. The service is free and the financial counsellors do not sell products or earn commission. The phone number 1800 007 007 is free from landlines, though some mobiles may charge a connection fee.
Will calling affect my credit report?
No. Speaking to a financial counsellor is confidential and is not recorded on your credit report. The counsellor simply gives you information and support to make your own decisions.
Can a counsellor talk to my creditors for me?
In many cases, yes. With your permission, a financial counsellor can contact creditors to explain your situation and help negotiate a more manageable arrangement. Check the official website for current details.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Details can change — always confirm current contact details and processes on the organisation's official website.
Know who to turn to
A free, plain-English directory of the regulators, courts, schemes and services behind debt and credit in Australia.