Raising kids on one income, chances are you’re juggling multiple bills and payments, and maybe even the occasional fine. If debt has started to feel like yet another thing you just can’t get on top of, take a breath.
There is help available, and you don’t have to work it out by yourself. Free financial counselling can help you understand what you owe, work out what to tackle first and explore options that fit your situation. And if you have unpaid fines, there may be ways to deal with them without simply finding money you don’t have.
Start with the National Debt Helpline
The National Debt Helpline (NDH) provides free, confidential and independent financial counselling to people experiencing financial difficulty. You can call 1800 007 007, Monday to Friday, 9.30am–4.30pm. You can also use the NDH online live chat, available weekdays from 9am–8pm.
A financial counsellor can help you:
- understand your overall financial situation
- work out which debts need to be prioritised
- develop a realistic budget and money plan
- understand your rights and options
- negotiate with creditors on your behalf
- deal with debt collection and financial hardship
- understand options if you are considering bankruptcy or another insolvency arrangement
- connect you with other services where you need additional support.
Financial counselling is free, and you can also use the National Debt Helpline’s online service to find a financial counsellor in your local area. Find a financial counsellor here.
What if you have unpaid fines?
Fines can add another layer of financial pressure. If you are unable to pay a fine, don’t ignore it. Depending on your circumstances, there may be options to seek a payment arrangement or other assistance.
The National Debt Helpline recommends contacting the relevant enforcement agency as soon as possible if you know you cannot pay a fine by the due date. You may be able to negotiate a payment plan based on what you can realistically afford.
The Work and Development Permit scheme
If you have fines in Victoria and are experiencing certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a Work and Development Permit (WDP).
The WDP scheme allows an eligible person to deal with infringement fines by undertaking approved activities or treatment instead of paying the infringement penalty. The activities and treatment undertaken are converted into a monetary value that reduces the fine debt. While fines are included in a WDP, enforcement activity on those fines is suspended.
Eligibility can include people who:
- are experiencing acute financial hardship
- are experiencing homelessness
- are experiencing family violence
- have a mental or intellectual disability, disorder or illness
- have an addiction to drugs, alcohol or volatile substances.
A WDP application must be made on your behalf by an accredited agency or accredited health practitioner, who also supervises your participation in the approved activities or treatment.
For single mothers experiencing financial hardship, it may be worth asking a financial counsellor or another support service whether the WDP scheme could apply to your circumstances.
Find out more about the WSP scheme here.
You may have more options than you think
Remember, asking for help is not a failure. Financial hardship can happen for many reasons, including relationship breakdown, unemployment, caring responsibilities, family violence and life’s unexpected hurdles. But getting advice early can help you understand what needs to be dealt with first and what options may be available.
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