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If you’re retired, support is available if you need help with money or other challenges.
How to get urgent help
If you're struggling to pay your bills, facing eviction or experiencing financial hardship, there are services that can provide urgent help.
- Free financial counselling: The National Debt Helpline (NDH) provides free help on 1800 007 007. The helpline is open weekdays, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm and offers live chat on weekdays from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm. The NDH offers simple guidance to help you get your finances on track.
- Financial and legal support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: The free Mob Strong Debt Helpline can be reached on 1800 808 488. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm and provides free financial and legal support.
- Food, housing and crisis support: There are other services that can help with food, housing and bills, and emotional support. For more ways to get help in a crisis, see urgent help with money.
Sarah gets help to manage her credit card debt
Sarah, 67, began using her credit card for everyday expenses after her landlord raised the rent. At first, she managed by making minimum payments, but over time late fees and interest made the debt unmanageable.
Feeling overwhelmed, Sarah called the National Debt Helpline. A financial counsellor listened to her story and helped her contact her bank’s financial hardship team. The bank agreed to reduce her monthly payments to make them more affordable.
With this support, Sarah was able to get her finances back under control.
If you've been scammed or tricked into sending someone money, contact your bank or credit union immediately. Take action quickly by following the steps on what to do if you have been scammed.
How to get financial guidance
Get free information about money and retirement
Services Australia’s Financial Information Service (FIS) provides free financial information and education about money and retirement.
You can get help face-to-face, by phone or online, and there are webinars on a range of finance topics.
Financial information can help you understand your options and make informed decisions. FIS does not provide personal financial advice or financial counselling.
Get help with debt, bills and financial hardship
If you’re struggling with bills or debt, financial counselling is a free and confidential service offered by community organisations.
Financial counsellors can help you understand your options and deal with financial problems. Find a financial counsellor in your area.
The Australian Government, along with state and territory governments, offers financial support, concessions and rebates to help retirees manage the cost of living. Find out more about government payments and support services.
How to get financial advice
Some people choose to get financial advice to help make decisions about their money in retirement.
Financial advice is personalised information that takes your circumstances into account. It may help you plan your retirement income, understand your options and feel more confident about your financial future. It’s important to consider the costs involved before choosing an adviser.
Your super fund may provide information about investment and insurance options, contributions and consolidating your funds. Some over-the-phone advice from super funds is free. There may be fees for more detailed retirement advice, which could be paid from funds in your super account. Talk to your super fund to find out more.
Just as you would when choosing a doctor or lawyer, it's important to take the time to compare different financial advisers. See financial advice for more information.
How to get health, aged care and wellbeing support
Get help to manage health concerns
Health issues can affect your finances, independence and quality of life in retirement.
If you have health concerns, speak to your doctor. They can help you understand your options and connect you with the right services and support.
For trusted general health information and advice, HealthDirect offers a 24/7 nurse hotline and website.
Health costs can increase as you get older. Find out more about managing health costs in retirement.
Get aged care advice
If you need extra support to keep living independently, My Aged Care is the starting point for information about government-funded aged care services.
My Aged Care can help you understand the types of care available, including support at home, short-term care and residential aged care. It can also help you access services and understand the assessment process.
Aged care can have a significant impact on your finances in retirement. Find out more about aged care, including the costs involved and the financial decisions you need to make.
Get help with memory loss or dementia
Memory loss can make it hard to manage money, pay bills and make financial decisions.
If you or someone you care for is seeing the warning signs of dementia, speak to a doctor. They can help work out what is going on and what to do. Dementia Australia also provides advice and information for people living with dementia, their families and carers.
Planning ahead can help protect your finances and ensure your wishes are followed if managing money becomes more difficult in the future.
Learn more about memory loss, dementia and your money.
Get help with mental health
Retirement can bring significant life changes. Financial pressures, health concerns, caring responsibilities and major life events can affect your mental health and wellbeing.
If you're struggling, help is available. Speak with your doctor or contact a mental health service for advice and support.
Some options include:
- Crisis support: Call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
- Depression, anxiety and grief support: Call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, 24 hours a day, or live chat 24 hours a day.
- Social work and counselling services for Centrelink customers: Call Services Australia on 13 17 94.
National and state support services for older Australians
Retirement can bring different challenges at different times. Browse the national, state and territory services below to find support for financial, legal, heath, housing and wellbeing concerns.
National
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Australian Government agency responsible for aged care quality and complaints about aged care services. 1800 951 822 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 4 pm - Free call) |
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Represents self-funded retirees on issues that affect them. |
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Consumer organisation that promotes the wellbeing of older Australians. 1300 COTA AU (1300 268 228) |
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Provides practical resources and information about elder abuse for older Australians and the people who them. National Elder Abuse Helpline Helpline – 1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374 - Free call) |
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Supports people living with dementia, their family and carers. National Dementia Helpline - 1800 100 500 (24 hours, 7 days a week - Free call) |
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Payments and services for retirees and people planning to retire or work beyond Age Pension age. Services Australia Aged Care Line - 1800 227 475 (Mon-Fri, 8 am to 5 pm) |
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Australian Government agency that supports Australia’s health and aged care system. 1800 020 103 (Mon-Fri, 8.30 am to 5.30 pm) |
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Delivers programs, services and grants for older Australians. 1300 653 227 (Mon-Fri, 8.30 am to 5 pm) |
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Offers advice and support for veterans on issues including pensions, health care, home care and housing. 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) (Mon-Fri, 8 am to 5 pm) |
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Starting point for Australian Government aged care services. 1800 200 422 (Mon-Fri, 8 am to 8 pm; Sat, 10 am to 2 pm) |
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National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation |
Programs for Elders and older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. |
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Free and independent financial counselling to help people manage debt and financial hardship. 1800 007 007 (Mon-Fri, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm - Free call) |
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Advocates on behalf of Australians aged over 50. 1300 765 050 (Mon-Fri, 8.30 am to 5 pm) |
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Advocacy and information for people raising concerns about aged care. Aged Care Advocacy Line - 1800 700 600 (Mon-Fri, 8 am to 8 pm; Sat, 10 am to 4 pm) |
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Care and support services in metropolitan, regional and remote communities. 1800 935 483 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 4.30 pm) |
Australian Capital Territory
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Not-for-profit organisation helping older people and their carers connect to services and support. |
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Services and support for older Canberrans: ACT Government |
Services, programs and support for older Canberrans and their families, including housing and help at home, health and wellbeing, advocacy and legal support. Access Canberra Services – 13 22 81 (Mon-Fri, 8 am to 6 pm; weekends and public holidays, 9 am to 5 pm) |
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Helps manage the financial affairs of adults with impaired decision-making capacity and supports enduring power of attorney arrangements. 02 6207 9800 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 4.30 pm) |
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Provides legal help for older people in Canberra. 1800 353 374 (Mon-Thu, 8.30 am to 7 pm; Fri, 8.30 am to 5 pm) |
Northern Territory
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Office of Senior Territorians: NT Government |
Information and links for older Territorians and people who provide services to seniors. |
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Helps manage the financial affairs of adults with impaired decision-making capacity and supports enduring power of attorney arrangements. 1800 810 979 (Mon-Fri, 8 am to 4 pm) |
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Seniors Rights Service (Darwin Community Legal Service) |
Helps older people understand and protect their rights. 1800 812 953 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 4 pm - Free call) |
New South Wales
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Older People's Mental Health (OPMH) services: NSW Health |
Activities and programs that support the mental health and wellbeing of older people. 1800 011 511 (24 hours, 7 days a week - Free call) |
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Information, tools and resources about elder abuse and support services. 1800 628 221 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 4 pm) |
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Community legal service for older people receiving care at home, in residential aged care or in retirement villages. |
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Provides legal advice for older people, including a specialist elder abuse service. 1300 888 529 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm) |
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Helps manage the financial affairs of adults with impaired decision-making capacity and supports enduring power of attorney arrangements. 1300 109 290 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm) |
Queensland
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Not-for-profit organisation supporting the wellbeing and rights of older people. 1800 818 338 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 4 pm - Free call) |
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Caxton Legal Centre (CLC) Seniors Legal and Support Service (SLASS) |
Legal and support services for older Queenslanders. 07 3187 7187 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 4.30 pm) |
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Elder Abuse Prevention Unit (EAPU) UnitingCare Community |
Promotes the right of older people to live free from abuse — operates under Lifeline Brisbane. 1300 651 192 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm) |
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Elder Abuse Prevention and Support Service (EAPSS): Relationships Australia - Qld |
Provides support, case management, resources and referrals to help protect older people from abuse. |
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Get help with housing: Queensland Government |
Information about renting, housing support, emergency housing and cost-of-living assistance. Seniors Enquiry Line - 1300 135 500 |
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Helps older women in Queensland find housing and support services. 1800 366 877 (Mon-Fri, 7.30 am to 4.30 pm. Ask for the HOWSS team.) |
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Office of the Public Guardian: Queensland Government |
Protects the rights of adults who can't make their own decisions. 1300 653 187 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 4 pm) |
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Helps manage the financial affairs of adults with impaired decision-making capacity and supports enduring power of attorney arrangements. |
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Information and resources to help older people stay active and healthy. Seniors Enquiry Line - 1300 135 500 |
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Seniors Enquiry Line UnitingCare Community |
Information and support for seniors, their families, friends and carers. 1300 135 500 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm) |
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Seniors one stop shop: Queensland Government |
Links to Queensland Government services and support for seniors. Seniors Enquiry Line - 1300 135 500 |
South Australia
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Helps Elders and older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people understand and access the aged care services. 08 8273 7200 (Mon-Fri, 8.30 am to 5 pm) |
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Information and support for older people experiencing abuse. 08 8232 5377 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm) |
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Advice and information about independent living and home support. |
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Counselling and mediation for families dealing with complex issues related to ageing. 1300 364 277 (local call) or 1800 182 325 (country callers) |
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Supports people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and their families to make informed aged care decisions. 08 8241 9900 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm) |
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Helps manage the financial affairs of adults with impaired decision-making capacity and supports enduring power of attorney arrangements. 1800 066 969 (Mon-Fri, 9 am 5 pm) |
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Information and links to health services for older people. |
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Seniors' rights: SA Government |
Information about legal rights for older South Australians. |
Tasmania
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Protects and promotes the rights of older Tasmanians. 1800 005 131 (Mon-Fri, 8.30 am to 5.30pm - Free call) |
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Programs and initiatives that support healthy ageing. 03 6231 3265 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 3 pm) |
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Counselling and mediation for families dealing with issues related to ageing. |
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Elder Abuse Tasmania Support Services: Tasmanian Government |
Information and support services for older people experiencing abuse. 1800 441 169 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm - Free call) |
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Protects the rights of adults who can’t make their own decisions. 1800 955 772 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm - Free call) |
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Helps older people with the management of their financial affairs, support with enduring power of attorney arrangements and links to resources for elder abuse. |
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Free legal advice, help and support for older people experiencing or at risk of elder abuse. 1300 366 611 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm) |
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Safety information and contacts for older people. General, non-urgent police matters in Tasmania - 131 444 |
Victoria
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Aboriginal community controlled organisation providing aged care and support services and outreach for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders. 03 9383 4244 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm) |
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Ageing and aged care: Victorian Government |
Links to Victorian Government aged care services and support. 1300 650 172 (Free call from local Victoria, except mobile phones) |
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Advocates for the rights of people receiving aged care services. Aged Care Advocacy Line - 1800 700 600 (Mon-Fri, 8 am to 8 pm; Sat, 10 am to 4 pm - Free call) |
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Links to programs that help older Victorians to live independently. |
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Housing advice and support for older people seeking secure and affordable housing. 1300 765 178 (Mon-Fri, 10 am to 4 pm) |
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Protects the rights of adults who can’t make their own decisions and supports enduring power of attorney arrangements. 1300 309 337 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 3 pm) |
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Seniors Online: Victorian Government |
Information an resources for older Victorians. 1300 797 210 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 2 pm - Free call) |
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Information and support to help prevent elderly abuse and protect the rights of older people. 1300 368 821 (Mon-Fri, 10 am to 5 pm) |
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Information and support for seniors. 1300 138 672 (Mon-Fri, 8.30 am to 5 pm) |
Western Australia
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Information about accessible services, facilities and community resources. |
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Advocates for older people and people with disability. 1800 655 566 (Mon-Fri, 8.30 am to 4.30 pm) |
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Information, training and support to help people live independently. 08 9381 0600 (Mon-Fri, 8.30 am to 4 pm) |
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Not-for-profit organisation advocating for seniors. 08 9362 0100 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 4 pm) |
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Seniors Housing: WA Government |
Find your nearest WA Housing office to learn more about housing options for older Western Australians. |
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Legal advice and support to help older Western Australians protect their rights and prevent elder abuse. 1300 650 579 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 4 pm) |
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Helps manage the financial affairs of adults with impaired decision-making capacity and supports enduring power of attorney arrangements. 1300 858 455 (Mon-Fri, 9 am to 4.30 pm) |
Key actions you can take
- For urgent help with food, housing or bills, see urgent help with money.
- If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage, credit card or bills, get help from a financial counsellor.
- Find out about government payments and managing health costs at Services Australia.
- Watch a retirement webinar with the Financial Information Service (FIS) or make an appointment to speak to a FIS officer.
- Learn more about options and costs of government-funded aged care.