The City’s Financial Hardship Guidelines allow for flexible payment arrangements and the ability to defer payments on eligible debts.
Sometimes situations happen that affect your ability to pay for services. This could be illness, accident, loss of employment, some family issues, or another change in your circumstances.
We recommend anyone facing financial difficulty seeks free financial counselling. You can be referred to a local financial counsellor by calling 1800 007 007 (Monday to Friday, 9.30 am – 4.30 pm) or you can visit the National Debt Helpline. This service provides access to a range of support options:
Alternatively, please contact the City as soon as possible if you are unable to pay, so that we can advise you of your options.
These guidelines outline:
- the definition of hardship
- the definition of financial hardship
- your eligibility for financial hardship consideration
- the process for applying for a payment arrangement
- the process for applying for a payment deferral
If you need help applying for financial hardship or to contact a free financial counsellor, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
Experiencing financial hardship can impact your mental health. If you are worried about your mental wellbeing, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.