Dealing with a debt, step by step
100 free, plain-English guides — what to do if a collector contacts you, you can't pay, you don't owe it, there's court action, or there's a default on your credit report. You have options. Search or filter.
- Being Contacted
A debt collector has contacted me
Calm, practical first steps when a debt collector gets in touch about a debt.
6 min read - Being Contacted
I've received a letter of demand
How to read and respond to a letter of demand about a debt, calmly.
6 min read - Being Contacted
How do I check if a debt is really mine?
Simple ways to confirm a debt is genuinely yours before you act on it.
5 min read - Being Contacted
How do I check a debt collector is legitimate?
How to confirm a debt collector is real before you pay or share information.
6 min read - Being Contacted
A debt collector keeps calling me
What to do when a debt collector contacts you too often or at bad times.
6 min read - Being Contacted
I've been asked about a very old debt
What to consider when you're contacted about a debt that's many years old.
6 min read - Being Contacted
I've been contacted about a family member's debt
What to do when a collector contacts you about a family member's debt.
6 min read - Being Contacted
A debt collector called my workplace
How to respond when a debt collector contacts you at your workplace.
5 min read - Being Contacted
I've received a text message about a debt
How to safely handle a text message claiming you owe a debt.
5 min read - Being Contacted
Can I stop a collector from contacting me?
How to limit or redirect contact from a debt collector.
6 min read - Being Contacted
How do I ask for debt details in writing?
A simple guide to requesting written details about a debt you're contacted over.
5 min read - Being Contacted
A debt collector has contacted the wrong person
What to do when a debt collector contacts you about a debt that isn't yours.
5 min read - Being Contacted
What can and can't a debt collector do?
A plain-English guide to what debt collectors are and aren't allowed to do.
6 min read - Being Contacted
How do I keep records of collector contact?
How to keep a useful record of contact from a debt collector.
5 min read - Being Contacted
Can I authorise someone to deal with it for me?
How to let a trusted person or counsellor handle a collector for you.
5 min read - Being Contacted
How do I deal with a debt collector respectfully?
How to handle a debt collector calmly and constructively.
5 min read - Being Contacted
My debt was sold to a collector
What it means when your debt is sold to a debt collection company.
6 min read - Being Contacted
Two collectors are chasing me for the same debt
What to do when more than one collector contacts you about the same debt.
6 min read - Being Contacted
I'm being contacted about a debt I already paid
What to do when a collector contacts you about a debt you've already paid.
5 min read - Being Contacted
What are the first steps when I'm contacted about a debt?
A simple starting point for anyone who's just been contacted about a debt.
5 min read - If You Can't Pay
I can't afford to pay a debt
Practical first steps when you can't afford a debt, plus where to get free, confidential help.
6 min - If You Can't Pay
How do I ask for a payment plan?
How to request a payment plan you can actually afford, and what to say to a creditor.
6 min - If You Can't Pay
How do I apply for financial hardship?
What financial hardship help is and how to ask a lender or provider for it.
6 min - If You Can't Pay
How do I get free financial counselling?
How to reach a free financial counsellor and what they can help you with.
5 min - If You Can't Pay
How do I work out what I can afford?
A gentle, step-by-step way to work out what you can afford to put towards debts.
6 min - If You Can't Pay
How do I decide which debts to pay first?
How to work out which debts to pay first when you can't cover them all.
6 min - If You Can't Pay
Can I ask to pause my payments?
How to ask a creditor to pause payments temporarily while you recover.
5 min - If You Can't Pay
Can I settle a debt for less than I owe?
How a reduced settlement works and how to approach a creditor about one.
6 min - If You Can't Pay
What happens if I ignore a debt?
Why ignoring a debt can make things harder, and the better steps to take instead.
6 min - If You Can't Pay
How do I deal with multiple debts?
A calm, step-by-step approach to managing several debts at the same time.
6 min - If You Can't Pay
Managing debt when I'm on Centrelink payments
How to manage debt on a Centrelink income, including free help and possible concessions.
6 min - If You Can't Pay
Dealing with debt after losing my job
Steps to take with your debts after a job loss, plus where to get free support.
6 min - If You Can't Pay
I can't pay my medical bills
How to handle medical and dental bills you can't afford, and where to find free help.
5 min - If You Can't Pay
Can I ask for more time to pay?
How to ask a creditor for more time to pay a bill or debt that's due soon.
5 min - If You Can't Pay
How do I make a hardship application?
A step-by-step guide to making a financial hardship application to a creditor.
6 min - If You Can't Pay
What is a payment arrangement?
A plain-English explanation of payment arrangements and how to set one up.
5 min - If You Can't Pay
I can't pay my electricity, gas or water bill
How to get help with energy and water bills you can't afford, including hardship programs.
6 min - If You Can't Pay
Debt and my mental health
How to look after your wellbeing while dealing with debt, with free support available.
6 min - If You Can't Pay
Where can I get emergency financial help?
Where to turn for urgent help with food, bills and essentials when you're in crisis.
5 min - If You Can't Pay
Where can I get free help with debt?
A guide to the free, independent help available for debt and money problems in Australia.
5 min - Disputing a Debt
I don't think I owe this debt
Step-by-step on disputing a debt you don't believe is yours: ask for proof, dispute in writing, get free help.
8 min - Disputing a Debt
The amount they're claiming is wrong
How to dispute an incorrect debt amount: ask for an itemised breakdown, challenge fees, and get free help.
7 min - Disputing a Debt
I've already paid this debt
Chased for a debt you already paid? How to prove payment, dispute it in writing, and get free help.
6 min - Disputing a Debt
I never signed up for this account
Chased for an account you never opened? How to dispute it, ask for the signed agreement, and get free help.
7 min - Disputing a Debt
Disputing a debt after identity theft
Disputing a debt caused by identity theft: report fraud, dispute in writing, fix your credit file, get free help.
9 min - Disputing a Debt
Gathering evidence for a dispute
How to gather and organise evidence for a debt dispute: what to collect, how to store it, and what to request.
7 min - Disputing a Debt
Putting a dispute in writing
How to put a debt dispute in writing: what to include, how to send it, and how to keep a clear record.
6 min - Disputing a Debt
What happens while a debt is in dispute
What to expect while a debt is in dispute: timelines, collection on hold, and how the process usually unfolds.
7 min - Disputing a Debt
I think the debt is too old to collect
Worried a debt is too old? How time limits work in general, why advice matters, and where to get free help.
7 min - Disputing a Debt
Disputing a deceased person's debt
Chased over a deceased person's debt? Who is liable, how the estate works, and where to get free help.
8 min - Disputing a Debt
Disputing a joint debt
How joint debts and liability work, how to dispute your share, and where to get free help when things change.
8 min - Disputing a Debt
Complaining about a debt collector
How to complain about a debt collector's conduct: what's not allowed, how to complain, and how to escalate.
8 min - Disputing a Debt
Escalating a complaint to AFCA
How to escalate an unresolved financial complaint to AFCA: when you can, how it works, and it's free.
8 min - Disputing a Debt
Disputing fees or interest on a debt
How to dispute fees or interest on a debt: ask for the terms, challenge unfair charges, and get free help.
7 min - Disputing a Debt
Asking for proof of a debt
How to ask for proof of a debt: what to request, how to word it, and what to do if they can't provide it.
7 min - Disputing a Debt
Disputing a default on my credit report
How to dispute a credit default: check your report, dispute errors, and get free help to fix your file.
8 min - Disputing a Debt
What if my dispute is rejected
Your debt dispute was rejected? How to ask for reasons, strengthen your case, and escalate to free EDR.
7 min - Disputing a Debt
Disputing a debt from a closed account
Chased on a closed account? How to get the history, dispute errors, and get free help to resolve it.
7 min - Disputing a Debt
Should I keep paying while I dispute
Should you keep paying a debt while disputing it? How to weigh the risks and get free advice first.
7 min - Disputing a Debt
Getting help with a debt dispute
Where to get free help with a debt dispute: financial counsellors, legal help, and external dispute resolution.
6 min - If There's Legal Action
I've received a court claim for a debt
Got court papers about a debt? Read them carefully, note the deadline, and get advice fast.
7 min - If There's Legal Action
How do I respond to a statement of claim?
Respond to a statement of claim by filing in time — get legal advice on how to do it.
7 min - If There's Legal Action
What happens if I ignore court papers?
Ignoring court papers can lead to a default judgment and enforcement — respond in time.
6 min - If There's Legal Action
A default judgment was entered against me
A default judgment was entered? You may be able to apply to set it aside — get advice fast.
7 min - If There's Legal Action
Can I apply to set aside a judgment?
You may apply to set aside a judgment in some cases — it's time-sensitive, so get advice.
7 min - If There's Legal Action
What is a garnishee order?
A garnishee order redirects your wages or bank money to pay a judgment — get advice early.
6 min - If There's Legal Action
My wages are being garnished
Wages being garnished? It follows a judgment — there are limits and options, so get help now.
6 min - If There's Legal Action
What is a writ or warrant for a debt?
A writ or warrant enforces a judgment against property — get advice fast if you receive one.
6 min - If There's Legal Action
Debt and bankruptcy: what should I know?
Bankruptcy is a serious option for unmanageable debt — get free advice before deciding.
7 min - If There's Legal Action
What is a bankruptcy notice?
A bankruptcy notice is a formal demand with strict deadlines — get advice the day you receive it.
6 min - If There's Legal Action
I'm going to court over a debt
Heading to court over a debt? Prepare your documents, get advice, and know what to expect.
7 min - If There's Legal Action
How do I get legal help for a debt?
Free legal help for debts is available — Legal Aid, community legal centres and 1800 007 007.
6 min - If There's Legal Action
Can I negotiate before going to court?
You can often negotiate a debt before court — it can save cost and stress. Get help to do it.
6 min - If There's Legal Action
What does a court judgment mean for me?
A court judgment is a formal decision a debt is owed, and it can be enforced — get advice.
6 min - If There's Legal Action
How is a judgment enforced?
A judgment can be enforced via garnishee, warrants or other steps — there are protections too.
6 min - If There's Legal Action
Debt agreement or bankruptcy — what's the difference?
Formal debt arrangements and bankruptcy differ — both are serious. Get free advice to compare.
7 min - If There's Legal Action
What does court action over a debt cost?
Court action can add fees and costs on top of a debt — amounts vary, so check and get advice.
6 min - If There's Legal Action
Can I represent myself in a debt case?
You can often represent yourself in a debt case — prepare well and still get some advice.
6 min - If There's Legal Action
Are there time limits on debt claims?
Time limits can affect old debt claims, but rules vary by state — never assume; get advice.
6 min - If There's Legal Action
What happens after a court decision on a debt?
After a court decision on a debt, you can pay, arrange payment, or sometimes appeal — get advice.
6 min - Credit Reports & Records
I want to check what's on my credit report
How to request and read your Australian credit report from the three main bureaus, for free.
6 min - Credit Reports & Records
There's a mistake on my credit report
Steps to identify and correct errors on your credit file using the free correction process.
6 min - Credit Reports & Records
There's a default listed on my credit report
What a default listing means, whether it is valid, and your free options to respond.
6 min - Credit Reports & Records
How long will a default stay on my credit file?
Typical listing periods for defaults and other records, with a note to check current rules.
5 min - Credit Reports & Records
I want to remove a default that shouldn't be there
Steps to challenge and remove an incorrectly listed default through the free dispute process.
6 min - Credit Reports & Records
What affects my credit score?
A plain-English guide to the factors behind a credit score and how to improve yours.
6 min - Credit Reports & Records
How do I get a free credit report?
The free, legal way to obtain your credit report from each Australian bureau.
5 min - Credit Reports & Records
Will my debt stop me getting a loan?
How debt and credit history influence loan applications, plus free steps to strengthen yours.
6 min - Credit Reports & Records
Should I use a paid credit repair company?
A warning about paid credit repair firms and the free alternatives that do the same job.
6 min - Credit Reports & Records
I want to dispute a listing on my credit file
How to formally dispute an incorrect credit listing and escalate it for free.
6 min - Credit Reports & Records
What exactly is a credit default?
A plain-English explanation of credit defaults and the conditions for listing one.
5 min - Credit Reports & Records
I've paid a default, now what?
What changes on your credit report after you pay a listed default, and what to check.
5 min - Credit Reports & Records
I'm in hardship, how does it affect my credit report?
How hardship arrangements are reflected on your credit report and where to get free support.
6 min - Credit Reports & Records
I want a ban placed on my credit file
How a credit ban period works, when to use one, and how to request it for free.
5 min - Credit Reports & Records
Who can see my credit report?
Who is allowed to access your credit report in Australia and the limits that apply.
5 min - Credit Reports & Records
My personal details are wrong on my credit file
How to fix incorrect personal information on your credit report through the free process.
5 min - Credit Reports & Records
What happens to my credit report after bankruptcy?
How bankruptcy is reflected on your credit report and the steps to manage it afterwards.
6 min - Credit Reports & Records
How can I keep an eye on my credit report?
Practical ways to monitor your credit report regularly using free entitlements.
5 min - Credit Reports & Records
Someone has used my identity to get credit
What to do if your identity has been used for credit, including bans and free correction.
6 min - Credit Reports & Records
How do I rebuild my credit after debt problems?
Realistic steps to rebuild your credit standing after debt, with no paid shortcuts required.
6 min
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You don't have to face debt alone
Free, confidential financial counselling is available through the National Debt Helpline — 1800 007 007.