FINANCIAL COUNSELLING
What is it and how can a financial counsellor help?
- A free, confidential, non-judgmental and independent service.
- Does not provide money or other direct financial assistance, or give legal advice.
- Provide information, advocacy and support to help clients overcome financial difficulty.
- Help people with immediate financial difficulties and how to minimise the risk of future problems.
Below are some indicators that a client may benefit from financial counselling:
Direct disclosure of financial problems, for example:
- Centrelink Health care card or pension card
- Worried about eviction
- Worried about repossession of home, car or other goods
- Worried about disconnection of gas, water, electricity
- Worried about unpaid fines
- Thinking about bankruptcy
Life circumstances with significant financial impact, for example:
- Domestic and Family Violence
- Risk of, or currently experiencing homelessness
- High support needs and assisted by social support worker
- Recent experience of natural disaster
Seeking Loans that indicate financial difficulty, for example:
- Borrowing for living expenses
- Debt Consolidation
Whereas a Financial Capability
Worker can assist with:
- Identifying spending leaks and
remedies - Ongoing budgeting support
- Goal setting and saving support
- Help in accessing government concessions, completing forms and accessing utility or telco hardship programs
- Information about financial rights
- Support accessing no interest loans
Making a referral
Clients can be referred to a financial counsellor listed on the local services page, or encouraged to speak with a financial counsellor by calling the National Debt helpline (NDH) on 1800 007 007 or using the online chat function at ndh.org.au. There can be wait times to see a financial counsellor, so check if a financial capability worker can help or visit the NDH website to see what can be done whilst waiting for an appointment. This website has guidance on dealing with debt problems and other common financial difficulties. As a worker you can help your client prepare for their appointment by letting them know what information and documents to bring.
PREPARING FOR A FINANCIAL COUNSELLING APPOINTMENT
The following information can be given to clients, or workers can use it as a guide to assist their clients.
WHAT DO FINANCIAL COUNSELLORS DO?
- Provide a free, confidential, non-judgmental and independent service
- Provide information, advocacy and support to help people overcome financial difficulty
- Help with immediate financial difficulties and how to minimise the risk of future problems
- Do not provide money or other direct financial assistance
- Do not provide legal advice
WHAT TO BRING TO A FINANCIAL COUNSELLING APPOINTMENT:
- Centrelink health care card or pension card
- Form of ID (Drivers licence, Medicare card, copy of a bill)
- Copies of last bills (gas, electricity, water, rates, phone etc.)
- Credit card or personal loan statements
- Copy of last three months bank statements
- Letters requesting or demanding payments etc.
- Knowledge of income (per week or fortnight after-tax)
- Centrelink income statement or pay slip if available
- Child support payment arrangements
