Financial Counselling
The UMSU Legal Service also has a free financial counselling service for students who are struggling with debts, or who want more control over their financial situation.
A financial counsellor can provide advice on issues including:
- Managing rent and accommodation expenses
- Utility bills – gas, electricity, water
- Phone and internet debts
- Credit and store cards
- Credit reports
- Personal & car loans
- Motor vehicle accident debts
Public transport passes are available to eligible students.
To access the financial counselling service, please complete our online contact form here.
Please note that the financial counsellor doesn't give out loans or grants. To explore your options for grants and loans, and also for assistance with Centrelink, please contact Stop 1.
Further resources
National Debt Helpline
Ombudsman services
Some industries have ombudsmen that can assist you with dispute resolution. Ombudsmen are independent, impartial and provide a free service. They investigate complaints which have not been solved by the organisation complained against. Ombudsmen investigate complaints when something has been handled badly or unfairly, making someone suffer as a result. Before making a complaint to an ombudsman, you usually need to have tried to sort your issue out with the organisation directly.
For complaints about banks and financial institutions: Australian Financial Complaints Authority (incorporating the former Financial Ombudsman Service)
For complaints about telephone and internet providers: Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman
For complaints about gas, electricity and water providers: Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria
Debt and financial information
MoneySmart
Dealing with debt collectors [PDF 1.08MB]
Victoria Legal Aid: Debt and financial issues
Social Security Rights Victoria community legal centre
Last updated: 15 May 2023