The number of people seeking advice from financial counselling help lines has soared as lockdowns and severe restrictions take a heavy toll in NSW, Victoria
The number of people seeking advice from financial counselling help lines has soared as COVID-19 lockdowns and severe restrictions take a heavy toll in the nation’s two most populous states.
Demand for hardship advice has increased dramatically over the past few months, with 80 per cent more calls made to the Small Business Debt Helpline in July than in May. The top reasons for calls included mortgage arrears and how to obtain hardship arrangements with lenders, advice on rent arrears, credit card debt, utility bills, separation and family violence.“Assistance is only a phone call away,” Guthrie says. “That initial conversation is likely to take a weight off your shoulders because our counsellors are trained to help you get back on track,” she says.