National Debt Helpline

​If you would like to contact the service you can telephone a financial counsellor, who can give you information about your particular situation and/or make an appointment for you with the most suitable Care service.

The telephone information service is available weekdays between 9.00am – 4.30pm

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Phone 1800 007 007

 

After-hours Drop-in Service

Our drop-in service operates on Wednesday from 4:30pm till 6:30pm. Please arrive before 6:00pm to ensure that you can be seen by one of our friendly staff. 

 

This service provides the following:

 

•    information on financial issues such as budgeting and

•    options on dealing with debt. 

• ​   a financial counsellor will prepare a budget if required

• ​   makes referrals to other services where appropriate​

•    does not write or phone creditor’s on your behalf

• ​   does not give out money

 

Outreach Service

Care operates outreach services at:

• ​ Lanyon Community Centre

•  Kippax Uniting Care

• Gungahlin Child & Family Centre

 

For an appointment call 1800 007 007

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Assessment Sessions

When you speak to a financial counsellor you may find that you need more than information over the telephone. An assessment session can be made to provide you with more detailed information and assessment of your financial situation or a referral to another service.  Assessment sessions may take up to an hour and you may need to wait to see a counsellor.

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Financial Counselling Casework Service

This service is for people who have more complex needs requiring financial counselling and ongoing support and advocacy. The service works in a way that recognises underlying issues that affect people’s financial life and well-being.

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In the casework service, you are allocated a financial counsellor. You and your counsellor work together. This may involve checking that you are legally liable for the debts, checking that you are receiving all your entitlements, undertaking an assessment of your current financial situation, explaining your options, contacting creditors to negotiate payment arrangements and linking to other supports that you request.

 

Housing Financial Counselling Service

This service assists Housing ACT and community housing tenants who have rental arrears. It includes short term or ongoing assistance for clients.

 

Gambling Financial Counselling Service

This service assists people who are affected by gambling. The financial counsellor can:

• ​   provide assistance and support to clients or their families in relation to their financial issues

• ​   provide options to assist in resolving financial matters

• ​   refer to other specialist services where appropriate