The National Debt Helpline is Australia's free financial counselling service. When you call 1800 007 007, you'll speak with a qualified financial counsellor — not a salesperson, not a volunteer, but a professional with specific training in debt management, consumer credit law, and financial hardship.
Your first call typically takes 30-45 minutes. The counsellor will ask about your income, expenses, debts, and what's causing difficulty. They'll then help you understand your options and develop an action plan. Some situations can be resolved in a single call; others may require ongoing support over several sessions.
What to have ready: Your most recent bank statement, your mortgage statement (showing balance, rate, and repayment amount), a rough idea of your household income and main expenses. Don't worry if you don't have everything — the counsellor can work with whatever you have.
| Service | Contact | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| National Debt Helpline | 1800 007 007 | Financial counselling (mortgage, debt, budgeting) |
| MoneySmart (ASIC) | moneysmart.gov.au | Independent financial guidance and calculators |
| AFCA | 1800 931 678 | Disputes with lenders or financial institutions |
| Lifeline | 13 11 14 | Crisis support and suicide prevention (24/7) |
| Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636 | Mental health support |
Financial stress takes a real toll on mental health and relationships. If you're feeling overwhelmed, Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) are both available for support alongside the financial counselling services above.
Each state also has local financial counselling services that can provide face-to-face support. See our state-by-state guide for local services, or visit your state's page for specific contacts:
Our calculator shows exactly where you stand — then you can share the results with a counsellor.
Mortgage Stress Calculator →