What you'll do
- Know where to turn in a financial emergency
- Find help for food, bills and other essentials
- Access crisis supports quickly
- Understand a debt can wait while you stabilise
- Get free help to plan beyond the crisis
6 min read
Your essentials come first
If you are in a crisis and cannot cover food, power, or a roof over your head, please focus on those immediate needs first — a commercial debt can wait. There is genuine, caring help available right now in Australia, and reaching out for it is the strong and sensible thing to do.
Where to get urgent help
- For food, contact a local food relief service such as Foodbank, or a community centre.
- For utility bills, ask your energy or water provider about their hardship program straight away.
- Ask Services Australia (Centrelink) about crisis payments and emergency support if eligible.
- Contact local emergency relief services, often run by community organisations, for help with essentials.
- If you are unsafe or in danger, contact emergency services on 000.
- For a plan beyond the crisis, call the free National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
Once the immediate crisis eases
When things are a little more stable, a free financial counsellor can help you plan the road ahead and deal with creditors so you do not have to. The National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 is the place to start. For your wellbeing, Lifeline (13 11 14) is available any time. Whenever you are ready to look at your Merion account, our contact form and Help Centre are here.
Good to know
- In a crisis, cover food, power and shelter first — a debt can wait.
- Ask utility providers about hardship programs and Services Australia about crisis payments.
- Local emergency relief services can help with immediate essentials.
- Once stable, a free counsellor (1800 007 007) can plan beyond the crisis.
FAQ
I cannot afford food this week — where do I go?
Contact a local food relief service such as Foodbank or a community centre, and ask Services Australia about emergency support. A counsellor (1800 007 007) can help with more.
Can I get help with an overdue power bill?
Yes. Contact your energy provider and ask about their hardship program — they are required to help. A financial counsellor can also assist you for free.
What about my debt while I deal with the crisis?
It can wait. Focus on your essentials first, then get in touch when you are ready, and we will work with your situation.
Still not sure? Our team is happy to talk it through.