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/)

The Small Business Debt Helpline is a free, confidential and independent service supporting Australian small business owners and sole traders experiencing financial difficulty.

Financial Counsellors at the Small Business Debt Helpline have knowledge about small business practice.

This service can help with :

- understanding business and personal debts, and personal guarantees and their implications

- grants that you may be able to access and training for small business owners

- crisis relief measures for bushfires and COVID-19

- options for payment arrangements with the Australian Tax Office (ATO), creditors, suppliers and service providers

- information about closing your business, including bankruptcy and insolvency

- where you can access dispute resolution services

- emotional support.

For more information, visit the website or call the Helpline on the number below, Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of these services may, at times, move to phone based appointments. Please check before booking an appointment.

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 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

Looking for an affordable loan, insurance, savings plan or needing help to create a new business startup? Good Money can help you.

The store front in Salisbury may look like a normal money lender but is part of the Good Shepherd Microfinance network offering safe, affordable and responsible financial services for people on low incomes. They can also provide referrals to other services such as free financial counselling and legal aid.

You can speak to someone and apply in store to obtain a range of products and services that can help such as:

NILS for Essentials - No Interest Loans up to $1500 for essential goods and services such as white goods, furniture and educational expenses.

NILS for Vehicles - No Interest Loans up to $5000 repayable up to 48 months for purchase of an essential vehicle including cars, scooters, mobility scooters, motorcycles and boats.

Loans cannot be made for cash, bills, debts, rent, debts or bond. Please see a Financial Counsellor for help.

Affordable Insurance - Simple car and contents insurance with flexible payment options

Launch ME - Supports individuals to develop and establish their own providing help in key areas such as Coaching, Mentoring, Business planning, Building skills, Building Networks and Finance.

Visit the website for more information or to apply for a NILS.

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.

Centrelink payments and services are available for seniors, job seekers, students and trainees, families, carers, parents, people with disability, First National People and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility criteria differs for each payment.

For more information and a list of Centrelink payments and services, visit the website below.

MoneyMinded is a free financial education program for people wanting to improve their financial well-being and make informed decision about how to manage their money.

The program is self-paced and is made up of 8 online activities that include the following:

- Goals

- Saving and spending

- Money planning

- Everyday banking options

- Different ways to pay

- Bills

- Types of paperwork

- Credit and credit cards

- Loans and credit reports

- Debt

- Recovery plan

- When paying is difficult

For more information and to access the program, visit the website below.

The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) provides safe, fair and affordable loans to people on low incomes with no interest, fees or charges.

No Interest Loans (NILS) for Essentials - borrow up to $1500 repayable over 12 to 18 months

Can be used for significant or essential goods and services such as:

- Household items like fridges, washing machines, TVs and furniture.

- Technology such as a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.

- Some medical and dental expenses including mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

- Education expenses such as course fees and school camps.

- Car repairs, tyres, registration and driving lessons.

- Other expenses like vet costs or relocation and funeral costs.

No Interest Loans (NILS) for Vehicles - borrow up to $5000 repayable up to 48 months

Can be used for the purchase of an essential vehicle including cars, scooters, mobility scooters, motorcycles and boats. A credit check is required for NILS for Vehicles.

DO I QUALIFY FOR NILS?

To qualify you must:

- Be on a low income / hold a concession card.

- Reside in your current premises for more than 3 months (this can be waived in exceptional circumstances).

- Show a willingness and capacity to repay loan.

HOW DO I APPLY?

For more information about how to apply contact a NILS provider, contact NILS on 13 64 57 or the Affordable SA Helpline on 1800 025 539.