What you'll do
- Understand what financial hardship means and who can ask for it
- Gather the details Merion needs to consider your situation
- Lodge a hardship request the right way
- Know what happens after you apply and how long it takes
- Find free, independent help if you want support along the way
6 min read
What financial hardship means
Financial hardship is simply when you genuinely want to pay what you owe but, for now, you cannot meet the payments without going without essentials. It can be caused by job loss, illness, a relationship breakdown, reduced hours or a sudden expense — and it is far more common than people think.
Asking for hardship support is not an admission of failure, and it does not make the debt go away. It is a way to agree on a more manageable path while your circumstances are difficult. We will always treat your request respectfully and in confidence.
Get your information together
You do not need a perfect record, but a short, honest picture of your money helps us help you faster. Before you apply, it is worth jotting down your income, your regular expenses, and roughly what you could realistically afford each week or fortnight.
- Your account or reference number from the letter we sent you
- Your take-home income and how often you are paid
- Your essential costs — rent or mortgage, food, utilities, transport, medical
- Any other debts you are paying
- A note on what changed (for example, "hours cut from 1 May")
Apply step by step
- Read your notice and confirm your account number — keep it handy.
- Write down your income, essential expenses and any other debts so you have the figures ready.
- Decide on an amount you could realistically afford, even if it is small.
- Contact us in writing through the contact form, or reply to your letter, and say clearly that you are applying for financial hardship.
- Include your figures, what changed, and your proposed payment amount or a request to pause payments.
- Keep a copy of what you send and note the date.
If you would like to talk it through with someone independent first, the free National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 can help you prepare.
What happens next
Once we receive your request we will look at it fairly and come back to you. We may ask a couple of follow-up questions to understand your situation, then propose an arrangement — that might be smaller payments for a period, a short pause, or another option that fits. Nothing is locked in until you agree to it. You can find more on what to expect across our Help Centre.
Good to know
- Hardship support is for people who want to pay but cannot manage the current amount right now.
- A short, honest picture of your income and essential costs speeds everything up.
- Apply in writing, keep a copy, and propose what you can realistically afford.
- Free help is available from the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
FAQ
Will asking for hardship hurt my credit?
Asking for hardship support is about agreeing on a manageable way to pay. It is general information here, not advice on your specific credit file — if you are worried about credit reporting, the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) can explain how it works for your situation.
Do I have to prove every dollar?
No. We are not after a perfect ledger. An honest summary of your income and essential costs is usually enough to get started, and we will only ask for more if we genuinely need it.
What if I can only pay a very small amount?
That is fine — a small, steady payment is still progress and shows good faith. Tell us what you can manage and we will work from there.
Still not sure? Our team is happy to talk it through.