What you'll do
- Put your health and recovery first
- Take manageable steps with your finances
- Explain a health-related change to creditors
- Check supports available during illness
- Find free help so you can focus on getting well
6 min read
Your health comes first
If illness or injury has affected your income, please be gentle with yourself — recovery matters more than any payment deadline. Debt can wait while you focus on getting well, and reaching out for a pause or reduced payments is exactly the right thing to do. You do not need to share medical details you would rather keep private.
Steps to take when you are ready
- Make sure your essentials and any medical costs are covered first.
- Check supports — Centrelink, your insurer, or employer entitlements may help.
- When you feel up to it, list your debts so you can see the picture.
- Contact us through the contact form and say a health issue has affected your income.
- Ask about a pause or reduced payments while you recover.
- Let a trusted person or counsellor help if you are not well enough to manage it.
Free help while you recover
A free financial counsellor can take a lot off your plate — they can review your situation and even deal with creditors so you can rest. Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. For your wellbeing, Lifeline (13 11 14) is there any time. You can also browse our Help Centre whenever you have the energy.
Good to know
- Your recovery comes first — debt can wait while you focus on health.
- You do not need to share private medical details to ask for support.
- Check Centrelink, insurer or employer supports that may apply.
- A free financial counsellor (1800 007 007) can deal with creditors for you.
FAQ
I am too unwell to deal with this — what can I do?
Let someone help. With your authority, a trusted person or a free financial counsellor (1800 007 007) can handle it for you while you focus on recovering.
Do I have to disclose my medical condition?
No. You only need to say that a health issue has affected your income and what you can now afford. You can keep medical details private.
What supports might help during illness?
Depending on your situation, Centrelink, income protection insurance, or employer leave may help. A financial counsellor can help you check what applies.
Still not sure? Our team is happy to talk it through.