Money Matters
Financial Counselling

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

Expenses

Assets

Debts

We can:
We can't:

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.

Loading locations and services...

Cant find a location in your area? Call the National Debt Hotline on 1800 007 007.

FAQs

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.

Yes. Uniting’s financial counselling is a free community service funded by government programs.

Financial counselling helps people in hardship manage debt and money stress. Financial planners provide investment or superannuation advice for building wealth.

In many cases, yes. Counsellors can communicate with creditors on your behalf and negotiate manageable arrangements.

Sessions usually last between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on your situation.

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.

Call us on
1300 882 035 or 1800 685 682