Programs

If you're having problems with debt, your starting point should be the [National Debt Helpline](https://ndh.org.au/) 1800 007 007 for financial counselling support.

Financial counselling helps you manage your debts and get your finances back under control.

Get advice about

- Your financial situation, to help you fully understand your position.

- How to prioritise your debts

- The pros and cons of the options that might work for you in addressing your debts (for example, repayment of loans, negotiating with creditors, bankruptcy and so on. There are always options.

- Your rights and responsibilities around credit and debt

- How to access other services you may need, such as legal services, crisis food and accommodation services, and health services.

Financial counselling is free, confidential and independent. The [National Debt Helpline](https://ndh.org.au/) is a not-for-profit, community based service that's available to people in Australia experiencing financial difficulty.

Please call 1800 007 007 to talk about your situation or send us a [message here.](https://ndh.org.au/about-national-debt-helpline/contact-us/)

For South Australians needing advice or assistance with managing the cost of living or budgeting. The Helpline provides information, advice and referrals to appropriate services such as financial counselling, case work, advocacy or community education.

The Helpline Service is available from Monday to Thursdays between the hours of 9.30am and 8pm and Fridays 9.30am and 4.30pm (except Public Holidays). To access information, support, or referrals, call the Helpline on the number provided.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic services may have changed to non contact or phone based service. Strict social distancing and other COVID-19 restrictions may be in place.

Financial counselling is a free, independent and confidential service offering support, information and advocacy to anyone experiencing financial hardship.

A Financial Counsellor will look at your overall financial situation and provide you with your options. They can advocate and negotiate on your behalf if needed.

A Financial Counsellor cannot provide investment advice, financial planning, or monetary assistance.

Financial counselling is offered by a range of service providers throughout South Australia via an appointment based service. See locations below for providers in your area.

Alternatively, you can call the [National Debt Helpline](https://ndh.org.au/) on 1800 007 007 for telephone financial counselling or a referral to a financial counsellor in your area.

The Helpline Service is available from Monday to Thursday between the hours of 9.30 am - 8 pm and Fridays 9.30am - 4.30pm (closed public holidays).

Issues a Financial Counsellor can assist with include:

- Financial rights and responsibilities

- Budgeting and money management

- Applications for hardship

- Debts and debt recovery processes

- Concessions and related entitlements

- Referrals to complementary services

- Insolvency and bankruptcy options

Several organisations in South Australia operate to assist refugees and migrants and can extend to International students and temporary visa holders, providing help in learning new financial systems and assisting with basic needs and support such as food through an Emergency Relief service.

These organisations have access to Financial Counselling and caseworkers to help individuals negotiate with utility companies, government departments. It is expected that these organisation will also refer to other community services as appropriate.

The Australian Refugee Association and the Australian Migrant Resource Centres are located in Adelaide and across many parts of South Australia.

International students can approach financial counselling services within the SA Universities provided by student services to access help.

Please refer to each location for more information about services offered.

Financial troubles can be a major cause of stress, but if you’re struggling with money, you’re not alone. You can start to solve your money worries with Moneycare services.

They can offer you step-by-step advice on how to put your money problems behind you. You can get help with:

Financial counselling

- Get free, confidential and independent advice from caring, qualified financial counsellors who really listen without judgement and can provide financially sustainable options to manage the debt

Financial coaching

- Build confidence in managing your money through a financial-skill-building program called [You’re the Boss](https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/financial-assistance/youre-the-boss/).

No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)

- Sometimes we all need a little bit of extra help. If you’re on a low income and need a loan for essentials, apply for a no-interest loan today. It’s safer – and cheaper – than pay day loans, pawning your goods or renting appliances.

The program supports South Australian small business owners and sole traders to rebuild and recover their business/service from the impact of Covid 19.

To access the services below the business/service must have a maximum of $80,000 profit per annum. This program provides:

- Up to three hours of personalised business coaching

- A tailored roadmap recovery plan

- Small grants of up to $1500 to support business goals

- Referrals to access other financial wellbeing services and personal supports

For more information visit the website or call the number below

The Small Business Recovery Program is a partnership between SA's Department of Human Services and Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand.

Support Act operates a free and confidential helpline service available 24/7. This service is available to anyone working in the Australian music or performing arts industry who needs to talk about their mental health.

This service provides crisis relief to artists, crew and music workers who are doing it tough. You can get help by applying for financial support if you are in crisis as a result of ill health, injury, a mental health issue, or some other crisis that impacts on your ability to work in music or performing arts industry.

For more information visit the website or call the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline on the number below

A Seniors Card is a free discount card offering savings on goods and services to seniors, including transport concessions and participating business discounts.

The Seniors Card Discount Directory lists businesses that offer discounts to Seniors Card holders and you can view the Directory online.

You can apply for a South Australian Seniors Card if:

- You are aged 60 years and older

- You are a permanent South Australian resident

- You are not working more than 20 hours per week in paid employment

Apply for a Seniors Card online via the website or print and complete the application form below.

For further information, visit the website or call the number below.

If you need help lodging your tax return, you may be eligible for the Tax Help program. Tax Help is a network of ATO-trained community volunteers who provide a free and confidential service to help people lodge their tax returns online.

Tax Help is available from July to October each year with volunteers delivering this service over the phone, online and face to face from selected Tax Help centres.

You may be eligible for Tax Help if your income is around $60,000 or less. Other eligibility criteria applies.

For further information on eligibility, what volunteers can help you with and how to make an appointment, please visit the website.