The Financial Counselling Program 2021-24 is funded by Consumer Affairs Victoria and provided by community agencies to support financially disadvantaged and vulnerable Victorians.
What is financial counselling?
A financial counsellor is a skilled professional who provides advice to help people manage their debts and get their finances back under control. Through the Financial Counselling Program, they provide free, confidential and independent advice.
Financial counsellors can offer a range of support, depending on someone's eligibility for the service. This support could include providing advice about rights and responsibilities, negotiating with a creditor, or working out a realistic payment plan for debts.
For more information about how a financial counsellor can help you, visit National Debt Helpline.
Who is eligible for financial counselling?
Everyone is eligible to receive some information or referral to other related services; however, the Financial Counselling Program prioritises Victorians who are most in need. You may be eligible for more in-depth financial counselling if you:
- are on a Centrelink benefit
- have no income
- are vulnerable due to personal circumstances
- are exposed to family violence.
How to contact a financial counsellor
If you are in financial difficulty, you can get free, confidential and independent advice from a financial counsellor by: