How do I apply for financial hardship?
If you can't keep up with payments, a hardship arrangement may give you breathing room.
This guide helps you
- Understand what financial hardship assistance is
- Know the kinds of help a hardship team can offer
- Learn how to make a hardship request
- Understand what information you may be asked for
- Find free support to back you up
6 min
You're not alone
Lots of people hit a point where they simply can't keep up with repayments — and many lenders, utilities and other providers have a hardship process to help. Asking for hardship help is a normal, sensible step, not something to be embarrassed about.
This is general information, not financial advice. A free financial counsellor can help you prepare and lodge a request — call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
What hardship help can look like
Hardship assistance varies, but it can include:
- A temporary pause on payments while you get back on your feet
- Smaller payments for a period of time
- Extending the loan so each payment is lower
- Pausing or reducing interest and fees in some cases
You can read plain-English explanations of terms like hardship in our glossary.
Step by step
- Contact the provider and ask to speak to their hardship team, or look for a 'financial hardship' or 'assistance' option on their website.
- Explain your situation — what changed, and what you can realistically afford now.
- Suggest what would help, such as a short pause or reduced payments for a few months.
- Provide the details they ask for, which may include income, expenses and the reason for hardship.
- Ask for the outcome in writing so you know exactly what's been agreed.
Good to know
If a provider refuses to help or you feel you've been treated unfairly, you may be able to take it to a free, independent dispute scheme such as an ombudsman — find the right one in our directory of bodies. You don't have to accept the first answer if it isn't fair.
Free help available
- National Debt Helpline — 1800 007 007 for free, confidential financial counselling.
- For emotional support, Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
Key takeaways
- Many lenders and providers have a hardship process to help you
- Hardship help can include pauses, smaller payments or longer terms
- Free financial counsellors can help you apply on 1800 007 007
Frequently asked questions
Who can I ask for hardship help?
Banks, credit providers, utility companies, telcos and many other businesses have hardship arrangements. Ask any creditor whether they have a hardship or assistance team — most do.
What information will I need to provide?
It varies, but you may be asked about your income, expenses and the reason you're struggling. A free financial counsellor can help you gather this and present it clearly.
What if my hardship request is refused?
Ask for the reasons in writing. You can then escalate to a free, independent dispute scheme such as an ombudsman, listed in our directory of bodies, and a financial counsellor can help.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Your situation is unique and rules can vary by state and over time — for advice on your circumstances, speak to a free financial counsellor (National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007) or get legal help.
Know your options, know your rights
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