This guide helps with
- Know that part payments and plans are available
- Work out what you can realistically afford
- Set up a payment arrangement
- Find free help if you're struggling
4 min read
What's happening
Not being able to pay a balance in full is more common than you might think, and it doesn't have to become a bigger problem. The important thing is to engage rather than ignore it. Merion can usually offer a payment arrangement that lets you pay smaller amounts over time, sized to what you can manage.
Work out what you can afford
Before you contact us, it helps to have a realistic figure in mind:
- Look at your income and regular expenses.
- Work out what you can comfortably spare each week or fortnight after essentials.
- It's better to commit to a smaller amount you can keep up than a larger one you can't.
Our guide on setting up a payment plan walks through this in more detail.
Set up an arrangement
Contact us through the contact page and let us know what you can manage. We can usually set up:
- Regular instalments by direct debit or scheduled card payments.
- A part payment now with the rest to follow.
- A pause in some cases if you're facing temporary hardship.
Free help if you're struggling
If your finances are under real pressure, free and confidential support is available. A financial counsellor can help you understand your options and deal with your creditors. Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007, or visit ndh.org.au. It's a free service and there's no judgement.
Good to know
- You don't have to pay everything at once — payment arrangements are available.
- Choose an instalment you can realistically keep up, even if it's small.
- Engaging early gives you more options than waiting.
- Free financial counselling is available through the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
FAQ
Can I pay my account in instalments?
Yes. Contact us and we can usually arrange regular instalments sized to what you can afford, by direct debit or scheduled card payments.
What if I can only pay a little each week?
That's fine. A smaller amount you can sustain is better than a larger one you can't. Let us know what you can manage and we'll work with it.
Where can I get free financial advice?
The National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 offers free, confidential financial counselling. It can help you set a realistic budget and deal with creditors.
Still stuck? Our team is happy to help you sort it out.