Getting help with a debt dispute
You don't have to handle a dispute alone — free, confidential help is available across Australia.
This guide helps you
- Know the free services that can help with a dispute
- Understand what a financial counsellor can do
- Learn when free legal help is the right call
- Know how external dispute resolution fits in
- Take the first step to get support
6 min
What's happening
Disputing a debt can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Australia has free, confidential services that help people understand their rights, deal with creditors, and escalate when needed. Knowing who does what means you can get the right help quickly — and none of it should cost you money. This is general information, not legal advice.
Your first steps
- Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 for a free financial counsellor.
- Contact a community legal centre or Legal Aid for free legal advice.
- Check whether your creditor is a member of a free external dispute resolution scheme.
- Gather your paperwork before your appointment.
Step by step
- Identify what kind of help you need — practical, legal, or escalation.
- Start with a financial counsellor for free, general guidance.
- Get free legal advice for legal questions, like liability or old debts.
- Use external dispute resolution such as AFCA if the creditor won't resolve it.
- Keep a record of the advice you receive and next steps.
What evidence helps
To get the most from any free service, bring your contracts, statements, letters and a timeline. Note your questions in advance so you cover everything. The clearer your paperwork, the more specific the advice. You can find the relevant organisations at directory.merion.com.au/bodies.
Where to get free help
The National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 connects you with a free financial counsellor. Community legal centres and Legal Aid offer free legal advice. For unresolved disputes with a financial firm, AFCA provides free external dispute resolution. The Merion help centre can help you find a starting point.
Key takeaways
- Free, confidential help with disputes is available across Australia
- Start with a financial counsellor on 1800 007 007
- Get free legal advice for legal questions like liability or old debts
- AFCA offers free external dispute resolution for financial firms
Frequently asked questions
Is help with a debt dispute really free?
Yes. Financial counsellors via 1800 007 007, community legal centres, Legal Aid, and AFCA are all free for consumers.
What can a financial counsellor do for me?
They can explain your rights, help you deal with creditors, check statements, and guide you on disputing and escalating — all for free.
When should I get legal advice?
For legal questions — liability, old debts, court documents, or guarantees — free legal help from a community legal centre or Legal Aid is the right call.
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
A free, plain-English guide to dealing with debt in Australia — and the people who can help.