Programs

The Consumer Credit Law Centre is a free legal service specifically for people with consumer credit issues and disputes.

The service provides specialist legal advice regarding repossession, mortgage foreclosure, debtors court, and other issues within the areas of credit, banking, and personal finance.

Appointments can be made by calling (08) 8342 1800; Country Callers please call 1300 886 220.

The Consumer Credit Law Centre is a service of Uniting Communities and is located in Uniting Communities offices in Adelaide, Smithfield and Christies Beach (Open Monday – Friday, 9am- 5pm)

The AFSA

Manages the application of bankruptcy and personal property securities laws through the delivery of high quality personal insolvency and trustee, regulation and enforcement, and personal property securities services.

They offer information and links to advice on

- unmanageable debt

- the process and consequences of bankruptcy and debt agreements

- checking security interests registered against a second hand vehicle, ie whether it is reported stolen, written off, or at risk of repossession.

- Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) which may help to establish ownership in a dispute or solvency scenario.

- what to do if owed money.

Zahra assists South Australian women and children affected by domestic and family violence, by empowering them and providing pathways towards economic independence.

Zahra Foundation offers financial counselling and workshops, aimed at providing post crisis opportunities to further support financial empowerment. Zahra provide some small grants to assist education and break the cycle of domestic violence.

Information about events and opportunities are available via their Facebook page.

Saver Plus is a 10 month financial education and matched savings program that assists families to gain financial skills, establish a savings goal, and develop long-term saving habits. As an incentive, participants can receive up to $500 in matched savings to put towards a range of education costs.

You may be eligible if you:

- Are 18 years or over

- Have a child at school or attend vocational education yourself

- Have a regular income from paid employment (you or your partner)

- Have a current Health Care or Pension Card

- Receive an eligible Centrelink payment

The Smith Family manages the program in South Australia with Saver Plus workers in the following areas: Adelaide's North and North East (including Tea Tree Gully, Campbelltown District, Gawler, Adelaide Hills and Barossa), Port Adelaide, Enfield, Charles Sturt, Salisbury, Playford and South Adelaide. Over 32,000 people have previously participated in the program throughout Australia.

You can visit the website for further information, or call / sms your name and postcode to 1300 610 355.

Rural Financial Counsellors have real expertise regarding "on the land" issues for rural businesses and struggling families.

They provide Free, Independent, Confidential and Professional Rural Financial Counselling services to eligible primary producers including cattle producers, fruit and vegetable growers, fishermen, foresters and harvesters and small related businesses who are facing financial difficulties.

Pre-arranged flexible appointments are available at your business, on your property or in our regional offices.

Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Eyre Peninsula (Eastern), Eyre Peninsula (Western and Lower), Fleurieu Peninsula, Flinders Rangers, Kangaroo Island, Mallee, Mid North, Murray, Riverland, South East, Yorke Peninsula

Workshops and Financial Literacy programs with successful examples and information regarding available grants.

Speckle is an Australian small lender created by Good Shephard Microfinance and National Australia Bank (NAB) to assist everyday Australians obtain small loans for life's everyday expenses (without the hidden costs).Speckle offers small loans from $200 to $2000 with repayment options ranging from 3 months to 1 year. The repayment options are flexible so you can pay early and as often as you like with no extra fees.

Am I eligible? As a minimum you:

- Must be an Australian citizen or a Permanent Resident residing in Australia

- Must be at least 18 years of age

- Must earn a minimum gross income of $30,000 annually (not inclusive of Centerlink payments)

- Should not receive more than 50% of your total income from Centerlink

- Must have an Australian mobile number and valid email address

For further information call 13 43 23 or visit the website

If you are experiencing financial hardship a loan might not be the answer. Call the Affordable SA Helpline on 1800 025 539 or the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 to speak to a Financial Counsellor to review your options. Financial Counsellors are free, independent and confidential.

Some companies charge customers a fee each time they send out a paper bill. If you can't receive bills electronically, fee exemptions may be available if you:

- are a senior

- are registered for a concession

- receive income support

- don't have internet access

What to do

Ask each company that sends you a bill and about their exemption criteria and how to apply.

If you have checked with a provider that you are eligible for an exemption, but are having trouble getting your exemption processed, please contact the South Australian Consumer Business Services.

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](https://affordablesa.com.au/programs/money-and-finances/no-interest-loans-scheme-nils) - No Interest Loans up to $1500 for essential goods and services such as white goods, furniture and educational expenses.

[StepUP Loans](https://affordablesa.com.au/programs/money-and-finances/stepup-loan) - Low interest loans of between $800 - $3000 with no fees and affordable repayments offered in partnership with NAB.

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

[Affordable Insurance](https://affordablesa.com.au/programs/money-and-finances/good-insurance-for-low-income-earners) - Simple car and contents insurance with flexible payment options

[Launch Me](https://goodshepherdmicrofinance.org.au/services/launchme/) - 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

"Good Money provides safe, fair and affordable finance to add value to your life without compromising your ability to live."

The Cost of Living Concession helps those on low or fixed incomes with their cost of living expenses, whether that be electricity, water, gas or medical bills.

Eligibility is based on your living arrangements on 1 July. You can apply any time but applications must be submitted by 31 October to receive the concession for that financial year.

For more information on your eligibility please refer to concession finder link and contact ConcessionsSA Hotline 1800 307 758.

If you have previously received a Cost of Living Concession payment and your living and income arrangements have not changed, you do not need to reapply.