Are you considering financial counselling?
If someone you care about is struggling with gambling, you might find yourself in the challenging position of facing financial difficulties through no fault of your own. Discussing your options with a financial counsellor could really help you to get your finances back on track.
Financial counsellors provide information, advice and support to anyone affected by gambling, including family members and friends.
Financial counselling is a free, confidential service that helps anyone affected by gambling, including friends and family members. Financial counsellors can talk to people about their financial issues face-to-face, over the phone, or via telehealth. They are experienced in debt, bankruptcy, and personal finance, understanding the financial challenges people face and helping them improve their situation.
What financial counselling can help with:
- Money problems caused by gambling
- Trouble paying bills and debt
- Concerns about the safety of assets, like cars or houses
- Contact from debt collectors
- Eviction
- Tax debt
- Utility disconnection
- Default notices
Financial counsellors don’t just offer information and support related to financial matters. They can also advocate for people when dealing with banks, government agencies, and other financial services. Here’s how financial counsellors can help:
- Assess the financial situation
- Understand the options
- Develop a money management plan
- Meet financial goals
- Consolidate and manage debt
- Create a budget for the future
- Communicate on behalf with banks and credit providers
- Negotiate with utility providers about repayment arrangements
- Check eligibility for government support
- Apply for hardship variations on loans
- Make decisions about bankruptcy or early access to superannuation
- Find organisations that provide legal services, emergency relief and fine relief
- Access concessions (like the cost-of-living concession), entitlements (like no-interest loans) and complaint and resolution options (like ombudspersons and internal dispute resolutions)
Having a financial plan with the support of a financial counsellor can be a huge relief. Research shows that most people who see a financial counsellor benefit from the experience.
“I had a great financial counsellor Pam, who took me through what was coming in each week and what I was spending. She helped me to budget for holiday season so my kids did not miss out. Taking away the financial stress meant that I had one less reason to gamble. It was great talking to someone to help me make rational decisions about what I could afford.” - Rachel
For those feeling stressed about finances, there are several ways to access support. Starting an online chat or calling the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 can provide confidential assistance. Counsellors are available to offer guidance and refer people to financial counsellors when necessary.
For help in another language, call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858, and a counsellor can organise an interpreter for you. Alternatively, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450, and they can arrange a translation service for you. See Gambling in Culturally Diverse Communities for more information.
People with a hearing or speech impairment can contact the Gambling Helpline through the National Relay Service.
A free National Debt Helpline is available on 1800 007 007 and operates from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Not sure this is the right type of support?
There are many ways to access help, and finding the right type of support is essential, as everyone’s needs are different. We’re here to help identify the best support based on your individual circumstances.
Explore other types of support and counselling available:
To learn more about how support and counselling can assist family members and friends, visit our page on Seeking Support.
Need more help?
To learn more about how support or counselling can help, start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.
These services support anyone affected by gambling harm, including family members or friends. Family members and friends play an important role in gambling recovery. To learn more about supporting someone who wants to change their gambling, visit our section on Taking Action.
Do you want information about financial counselling?
This page is designed for people who need help because their finances have been affected by somebody else's gambling. If you're a professional or somebody who experiences gambling harm directly and you would like to learn more about the benefits of financial counselling, take a look at this page instead:
How financial counselling can help
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