Services that can help with debt

30 Jan

Financial counsellors can provide free, confidential and independent advice about debts, money management and the debt recovery system.

They act as negotiators with creditors, and provide paralegal advice on credit, debt and bankruptcy. A directory of financial counselling organisations is in Chapter 5.4: Financial counselling services.

If you need to seek legal advice, you can contact the Consumer Action Law Centre, your local community legal centre or Victoria Legal Aid (VLA).

Consumer Action Law Centre

The Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC) provides free legal advice and representation to vulnerable and disadvantaged consumers across Victoria. CALC advise you about whether you have grounds to dispute a debt. CALC’s website has fact sheets about credit and debt.

Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC)
www.consumeraction.org.au

Consumer Affairs Victoria

You can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria about debt problems.

Consumer Affairs Victoria
www.consumer.vic.gov.au

Community legal centres

Assistance and advice can also be obtained from a community legal centre (CLC). To find your nearest CLC, visit www.fclc.org.au. There is also a list of CLCs in Chapter 2.3: Legal services that can help.

National Debt Helpline

The National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service that is available nationwide. Professional financial counsellors provide free, confidential and independent financial advice. The National Debt Helpline does not loan money.

National Debt Helpline
Tel: 1800 007 007
www.ndh.org.au