StepChange is a debt counselling organisation well known in the United Kingdom for providing structured debt advice and management plans. In Australia, an equivalent StepChange service does not currently operate — however, the services available through the Australian financial counselling network provide comparable support.
The Australian equivalent — what is available:
- National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) — free, professional financial counselling by phone or online chat. Financial counsellors can help you develop a budget, negotiate with creditors, and put a sustainable debt management plan in place. This is the closest Australian equivalent to the StepChange model.
- Financial counsellors — available in person through community organisations, neighbourhood centres, and welfare agencies across Australia. The MoneySmart website at moneysmart.gov.au has a counsellor locator tool.
- Debt management plans — a financial counsellor can help you develop a plan that covers all your debts and negotiate with creditors (including Merion) on your behalf.
If you are dealing with multiple debts and feeling overwhelmed, a financial counsellor is the right first call. Their service is free, confidential and independent of all creditors — including us. We actively support debtors engaging financial counsellors and are happy to work with a counsellor acting on your behalf.
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