Financial Help
Financial Counselling
If you're in financial difficulty, juggling debts and not sure how you'll be able to pay your next bill then its worth seeing a professional financial counsellor. There's no reason to let your finances spiral more and more out of control as many community service organisations offer free confidential financial counselling.
A financial counsellor can talk you through the problem, talk to creditors on your behalf to negotiate a payment plan, and assist you develop a budget to help you get back on track financially.
Even if you're not in financial difficulty why not be proactive and make an appointment with a financial counsellor now and develop a plan and budget to get you through your studies. A good financial plan can help to prevent your finances from becoming a mess.
For more information about financial counselling plus financial hints and tips checkout Wesleymission, St Vincents or the Smith Family.
You can also get financial advice from Centrelink.
Local Charities
If you are experiencing immediate financial difficulty you can contact a local charity who can provide various types of assistance depending on your circumstances. The type of assistance provided may include money for food or unexpected expenses, vouchers to purchase food, payment vouchers to help with electricity and water bills or provision of clothing and blankets. Many charities only provide assistance to residents who live in their local area so it's probably best to call them first and make an appointment.
Gladesville Community Aid and Information Centre - Phone 9817 0101
St Vincent De Paul (Ryde) - Phone 9809 2757
The Smith Family (Parramatta) - Phone 9895 1233
Centrelink can Help in a Crisis
Depending on your circumstances you may be able to claim a crisis payment from Centrelink. Crisis payments are available to persons in severe financial hardship who are forced to leave home and cannot return due to domestic violence or another extreme circumstance. As with any Centrelink payment specific eligibility criteria must be satisfied. To find out more about crisis payments contact Centrelink on 132 850.
Centrelink also provide a Social Work service to assist clients with more complex issues or who have immediate and urgent concerns and support needs. To make an appointment or to discuss your situation with a Social Worker at Centrelink phone 131 021 or visit your nearest Centrelink office.
Macquarie University Welfare Unit
If you require support and/or information about any of the issues described on this site, or another personal or welfare matter contact the Student Helpline on phone 9850 6496, email studentfinances@uchs.mq.edu.au or visit in person at Level 2, Lincoln Building.
The Welfare Unit offers a free, confidential service to all students and staff of the university. If you need assistance, just ask.
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