knowmore’s team of specialist redress Financial Counsellors is expanding, and so is our ability to service a wider range of survivors and their support workers.
What’s new for survivors
Anybody who is considering applying to the National Redress Scheme (NRS) or has applied to the NRS is now eligible for free financial counselling assistance from knowmore. Our Financial Counsellors deliver a person-centred, trauma-informed and culturally safe service and can work directly with survivors to:
- manage their debts before receiving a NRS payment
- improve their ‘financial health’ before receiving a NRS payment
- advise them about the effect the payment will have, including any impact on benefits they may receive
- help protect the payment from others that may be trying to access the money
For direct support from a knowmore Financial Counsellor, call 1800 605 762.
What’s new for Support Services
Support Services are now able to refer their redress clients directly to knowmore for financial counselling assistance. Clients will be guided through our intake process before being allocated to one of our specialist Financial Counsellors for individualised support.
Our website now includes a contact form for any queries that Support Services may have regarding the implications of receiving a NRS payment. It’s a quick and easy way for you to contact our team directly.
Payments received from the NRS are treated differently from other payments and it is important to understand how the payment may affect your client’s situation, particularly if they receive a Centrelink payment or have any debts. Check out our website at knowmore.org.au/FCWorkerResources for additional resources to assist both you and your clients.