Financial counselling

Free, confidential financial counselling for survivors of child sexual abuse and Stolen Generations.

Call 1800 605 762

Appointments are available nationwide by phone and face-to-face through our offices.

   

Who we help

  • I have lodged, am applying, or am considering applying for a payment under the National Redress Scheme, Territories or Western Australian Stolen Generations Redress Schemes.
  • I am worried about how a payment will affect my Centrelink or other entitlements
  • I am not sure what I need to know about receiving a redress payment
  • I would like to talk about keeping my money safe
  • I have debts, bills or fines.

You do not need to have savings, assets or income to talk to a financial counsellor.

 

What we do

We will ask about your income, your household situation, and any money worries you have.

We will explain how a payment might affect things like Centrelink, aged care, tax, or social housing.

We can talk about instalment options, safe banking, how to avoid scams and have a conversation about protecting yourself from financial abuse.

If you are worried about bills or debts, we can help you understand your rights and plan the next steps.

With your consent, we can contact creditors to discuss payment arrangements or debt waiver requests.

How to book an appointment

  1. You can call and speak with one of the Knowmore intake workers or speak with your Lawyer or support team in your appointment to refer to the financial counselling team.

  2. One of our Financial Counsellors will contact you to schedule an appointment. Appointments can be held on the phone or face-to-face. 

  3. You attend your initial financial counselling appointment, and we plan if any ongoing support is needed.

 

Cultural support

  • Culturally safe support for First Nations people
  • Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Engagement Advisors can work with you alongside your financial counsellor

 

FAQs

No, it’s free, independent and confidential.

We review your situation and explain how a redress payment might affect your Centrelink payments.

Yes, we have offices in Melbourne, Perth, Darwin, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane, or phone support anywhere in Australia.

No. You can seek financial counselling independently from the legal team; however, we recommend that you receive legal advice on your redress options.

No. Financial counsellors provide information and options so you can make your own decisions. They may advocate for you, but will never tell you what to do with your finances or control your money.

Financial counsellors do not provide loans or pay bills. We can connect you with community supports such as the No-Interest Loan Scheme or emergency relief services.

Contact

Call 1800 605 762. Or fill in our Request a Call Back Form. 

Our service is free, confidential and culturally safe.

   

Information for workers

Knowmore also has a worker help line and information to assist workers supporting people applying for, National Redress Scheme, Territories Stolen Generations Redress Scheme and Victorian Stolen Generations Reparation Package payments. If you are helping someone who is applying for these payments, please visit our My client needs Financial Counselling help page.

Other support services