This guide helps with
- Replace worry with a clear sense of what to do
- Understand why staying in contact is the best move
- Know the support and options available to you
- Learn the first step to take today
- Find free, independent help and support lines
5 min read
You're not alone
If you have looked at your finances and paying simply feels impossible, please take a breath. This is a frightening place to be, but it is not a hopeless one. The most important thing to know is that going silent makes things harder, while reaching out opens the door to support. You will not be judged for being honest about where you stand.
Many people have felt exactly this way and found a manageable way through. Talking to us, or to a free financial counsellor, is the first step toward relief.
What you can do
Even when paying feels out of reach, there are real options to ease things.
- Ask to pause payments while you get back on your feet.
- Ask for a very small payment that fits whatever you can manage.
- Ask for more time before anything needs to start.
- Get free independent advice on your whole situation.
Step by step
- Take a breath — this is workable, and you are not alone.
- Have your account or reference number ready if you can.
- Contact us through the contact form or reply to your letter, and tell us honestly that you cannot pay right now.
- Ask about pausing, a tiny payment, or more time.
- Consider calling a free financial counsellor to look at the bigger picture.
Who to contact
A free financial counsellor can review everything and speak with us on your behalf, at no cost. Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 — free, confidential and independent. If the worry is affecting your wellbeing, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 — they are there any time, day or night. You matter more than any account.
Good to know
- If paying feels impossible, staying in touch is the best thing you can do.
- Pausing, a tiny payment, or more time are all real options.
- You will not be judged for being honest about your situation.
- Free help is on 1800 007 007; for distress, Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
FAQ
What if I ignore it and hope it goes away?
Please don't — going quiet only makes things harder for you. Reaching out, even just to say you are struggling, is what opens up support and options.
I'm really anxious about this — what should I do?
You are not alone, and it is okay to feel this way. Talk to a free financial counsellor on 1800 007 007, and if the worry is heavy, Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) are there any time.
Is there really a way through if I have nothing?
Yes. Even with no spare money, we can look at pausing things, and a financial counsellor on 1800 007 007 can help you find support and a realistic path forward.
Still stuck? Our team is happy to help you sort it out.