There are things you can do:
- Get advice about your rights
It is never too early or too late to get advice. Please see below for details about where to get help. - Negotiate
Talk to your lender about changing or reducing your payments for a period of time. - Lodge with the EDR
You can complain to an External Dispute Resolution scheme (EDR) if you and your lender cannot agree on a solution. EDR is free and user-friendly.
Depending on which EDR scheme your lender is in, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) 1800 931 678 www.afca.org.au
Once you are in an EDR the lender cannot take any legal action against you about the money you owe until the dispute is finalised.
Where can I get more help?
| Organisation | Information | Contact Details |
|---|---|---|
| LawAccess NSW | Provides free telephone legal information and referrals to other services, including to your nearest Legal Aid NSW office, Community Legal Centres, private lawyers and other organisations that can help. | Chat to our team by clicking on 'Chat with us' on the right or by calling 1300 888 529 Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm. |
| Financial Rights Legal Centre | Specialises in credit/debt matters. For legal advice call the Legal Advice Line or visit their website. | Phone: 1800 844 949 Website: www.financialrights.org.au |
| National Debt Hotline | For free financial counselling over the phone or to find a financial counsellor in your area call or visit their website. | Phone: 1800 007 007 Website: www.ndh.org.au |