Financial counselling in Victoria.
Get the support you need to achieve financial security.
Financial counselling
Get back on your feet, financially.
When money worries start to pile up, it can feel like there’s no way out. Financial counselling offers a lifeline. It’s a free and confidential service that helps people understand their financial situation, manage debt, and find practical steps toward stability. So if you’re struggling to pay rent, juggling multiple loans, or simply trying to regain control over your budget, financial counselling can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
At Uniting Vic.Tas, our qualified financial counsellors support people across Victoria, from young adults managing their first bills to families facing unexpected hardship.
What is financial counselling?
Financial counselling is a free, independent, and confidential service designed to help people in financial difficulty. A financial counsellor can explain your rights and options if you’re struggling with debt, facing legal action, or dealing with financial stress. Unlike financial planners, they don’t advise on superannuation or investments. Instead, they focus on practical solutions: negotiating with creditors, accessing hardship programs, and helping you manage daily expenses.
In Victoria, Uniting’s financial counselling services are available to eligible individuals and families at no cost, because everyone deserves access to support when money becomes overwhelming.
This may include considering your:
Income
- Employment income
- Government payments
- Child support
- Investments
- Superannuation
Expenses
- Rent
- Home loan repayments
- Household bills
- Phone/internet
- Grocery shopping
- Medications
- Insurance
- Car maintenance
- Education
Assets
- Family home
- Investment property
- Vehicle
- Savings
- Superannuation
- Work equipment
Debts
- Payday loans
- Buy now, pay later
- Personal loans
- Credit card
- Car loans
- Government debt
- Tax debt
- Fines
- Utility debts
We can:
- Support you to prioritise your bills and debts
- Provide information on rules and laws about payment obligations
- Discuss what creditors can and can't do regarding assets and property
- Assist you to negotiate with creditors and make payment plans
- Create necessary letters or legal documents
- Suggest options to deal with debts, including information on benefits and entitlements
- Access referrals to other specialised sources.
We can't:
- Take over your finances
- Judge you on how you manage your money
- Offer investment advice
- Prepare or lodge tax returns
- Pay your bills
- Provide emergency relief or material aid.
How to access financial counselling services
Getting help is simple and confidential. You don’t need to face financial stress alone; help is available.
- If you live in Hume Merri-Bek call us on 1300 882 035
- If you live in Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik, Whittlesea or Yarra, call 1800 685 682
- Or if you live in any of the above council areas, you can fill out an online referral form
- If you live outside of these areas, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
Locations and service areas
Uniting offers financial counselling across Victoria, with key locations in Metro Melbourne, including Hume Merri-Bek, Darebin, Banyule, Nillumbik and Yarra.
Cant find a location in your area? Call the National Debt Hotline on 1800 007 007.
FAQs
Who can access financial counselling?
Free financial counselling is available to people experiencing financial hardship, including:
- People with overdue bills, fines, or debts
- Individuals dealing with debt collectors or repossession threats
- Renters and homeowners facing mortgage stress
- People receiving Centrelink or government benefits
- Culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- Anyone affected by unexpected changes such as illness, job loss, or family breakdown.
Interpreters are available for people who speak a language other than English, ensuring everyone can access the help they need in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Is financial counselling really free?
Yes. Uniting’s financial counselling is a free community service funded by government programs.
What’s the difference between financial counselling and financial planning?
Financial counselling helps people in hardship manage debt and money stress. Financial planners provide investment or superannuation advice for building wealth.
Can financial counselling stop debt collectors from contacting me?
In many cases, yes. Counsellors can communicate with creditors on your behalf and negotiate manageable arrangements.
How long does a financial counselling session take?
Sessions usually last between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on your situation.
Do I need an appointment or can I call anytime?
You can call during office hours to make an appointment.
Get in touch
We’re here for you.
Together, we can support you to achieve your goals and enjoy financial security.
Call us on 1300 882 035 in Hume Merri-bek or 1800 685 682 in Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik, Whittlesea or Yarra. If you live outside of these areas call the National Debt Hotline on 1800 007 007.
