Need Help Paying Bills? Options When You're Struggling
Many Australians are finding it harder to pay their bills. Rising living costs, income changes, or even a single unexpected expense can throw your budget off track. If that’s what you’re experiencing right now and you need help with bills, you're not alone, and there are practical steps you can take.
Missing payments can lead to late fees, service disconnections, or impacts to your credit file, depending on the type of bill and provider. Taking action early may help reduce the risk of things escalating.
This article will guide you through support options such as hardship programs, government rebates, and free financial counselling services to help you better understand your options and improve your financial confidence.
If your bills are urgent, you may also consider an emergency loan. For example, Credit24 offers emergency loans that may help cover urgent expenses while you explore longer-term support options.
Apply now
Common bills Australians struggle to pay most often
For many households, keeping up with regular bills is already challenging. But when something unexpected happens, like a medical issue, car repairs, or a broken appliance, it can quickly become overwhelming. Unplanned costs often land on top of essential bills that are already due, making it harder to stay on track.
Here are some of the most common bills Australians struggle to pay:
- Electricity and gas bills – especially during extreme heat or cold when air conditioning or heating is needed
- Water bills – essential but often overlooked until they become overdue
- Phone and internet – increasingly important for work, study, and staying connected
- Council rates – large quarterly or annual payments that can be difficult to budget for
- Insurance premiums – including home, car, health, and life insurance
- Strata levies – for apartment owners, these fees may increase unexpectedly after maintenance or upgrades
- Fines – parking, speeding, or transport fines can increase if unpaid
- Medical bills – GP visits, dental care and other health costs can be a major expense
Even small disruptions can snowball when money is tight. For families on a single income, pensioners, or people living week to week, these moments can create ongoing financial stress.
If you're trying to take back control of your finances, you may also find this guide useful:
https://www.credit24.com.au/blog/how-to-manage-money
What happens if you don't pay your bills
Immediate consequences
If you miss bill payments, your provider may take action depending on the type of bill and how overdue it is. Possible consequences can include:
- Late payment fees and interest charges
- Follow-up notices and reminders
- Debt collection activity, including being contacted by third-party collectors
- Loss of essential services, such as electricity, gas, water or phone services
- Legal action for certain debts, including fines or unpaid accounts
Long-term impacts
Ongoing unpaid bills can sometimes create longer-term financial and personal impacts, including:
- Negative credit reporting (for certain credit-related debts)
- Court judgments, depending on the debt type and legal process
- Wage garnishment or enforcement action in some cases
- Licence or registration suspensions, especially if fines go unpaid
- Additional penalties and enforcement costs
- Increased stress and anxiety, which can affect your health and relationships
If you're concerned about debt building up across multiple accounts, this may help:
https://www.credit24.com.au/blog/how-to-find-all-your-debts-australia
Step 1: Contact your service provider
Do it as soon as possible
The sooner you contact your provider, the more options you may have. Many providers offer hardship support or flexible payment arrangements, and in some cases, energy retailers must offer hardship assistance under Australian rules.
Reaching out before your bills become seriously overdue may improve your chances of setting up a workable solution.
How to approach the conversation
Be honest about your situation. Let them know you’re experiencing financial hardship and ask what support options are available. Many companies have hardship teams trained to help customers who are struggling.
What support you might receive
Depending on your provider and circumstances, you may be offered:
- Extended time to pay
- A payment plan based on your budget
- Centrepay deductions (automatic payments through Centrelink, if eligible)
- Temporarily reduced payments
- Waived late fees or reconnection charges (in some situations)
- Bill smoothing to spread costs more evenly throughout the year
If you're unsure how to plan repayments around your income, this budgeting guide may help:
https://www.credit24.com.au/blog/how-to-do-a-budget
Step 2: Explore utility hardship programs
Energy hardship programs
Electricity and gas retailers are required to have hardship policies under national energy rules. If you qualify for an energy hardship program and follow the agreed arrangement, you may receive additional protections, such as reduced risk of disconnection.
Energy providers may offer:
- Longer repayment timeframes for overdue bills
- Repayment plans tailored to your income and expenses
- Practical energy-saving tips to reduce future bills
- Help finding a more suitable energy plan
- Support such as payment matching or one-off assistance in some cases
If you're trying to reduce energy bills long-term, these guides may help:
https://www.credit24.com.au/blog/how-to-reduce-electricity-bill
https://www.credit24.com.au/blog/how-to-reduce-gas-bill-australia
Other utility hardship programs
Water, phone and internet providers may also offer hardship programs, although policies vary between providers and states. The type of support may differ, but the aim is usually to help customers who are experiencing genuine financial difficulty.
If you’re struggling, it can be worth asking what assistance is available. These programs exist to support customers during difficult periods.
You may also find it useful to understand how utility bills work:
https://www.credit24.com.au/blog/what-is-a-utility-bill
Step 3: Apply for government rebates and concessions
Who may be eligible
Government support may be available to help reduce the cost of essential services, but many people don’t realise they could qualify. Rebates and concessions can help reduce ongoing expenses and improve affordability.
You may be eligible if you:
- Hold a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card
- Receive Centrelink payments such as JobSeeker, Parenting Payment, or Youth Allowance
- Are a senior or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Live with a disability
- Use life support equipment at home due to medical needs
- Are on a low income, even if you are working part-time
Types of rebates available
If you qualify, rebates and concessions may reduce some essential bills.
Examples may include:
- Electricity and gas concessions applied to quarterly bills
- Water bill discounts for concession card holders
- Council rate rebates or flexible instalment options
- Medical heating or cooling support for eligible households
- Extra support for households using life support equipment
- Emergency relief or crisis vouchers in certain situations
Rebate amounts and eligibility rules vary across states and territories. To check what applies to you, visit your state or territory government website.
Important reminders
When applying for rebates, it can help to remember:
- Bills may need to be in the name of the eligible card holder
- You may need to reapply if you move house or change providers
- Some rebates require renewal each year
- Keep concession card details up to date
Free help and support services
If you're feeling overwhelmed, free financial support services may be available. These organisations can help you understand your rights, manage repayments, and build a plan.
National Debt Helpline
Call 1800 007 007 Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm, or use their live chat service. Financial counsellors provide free, confidential support and may help you negotiate with creditors and create a plan.
Mob Strong Debt Helpline
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: 1800 808 488 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm). This service provides culturally safe financial support.
Way Forward
Free debt management support is available on 1300 045 502. They may help you work through your situation and explore repayment options.
Energy ombudsmen
If you're unable to resolve issues with your provider, you can contact your state or territory energy ombudsman. They provide free, independent support for billing disputes and hardship-related complaints.
Community legal centres
Free legal advice is available in every state and territory. These services can help you understand your rights regarding fines, unpaid bills, and debt disputes, particularly if matters have escalated.
If you’re dealing with multiple debts at once, you may also find this helpful:
https://www.credit24.com.au/blog/how-to-get-out-of-debt
Preventing future bill payment problems
Once you’ve managed urgent issues, building better money habits can make it easier to stay in control over time.
Here are some practical steps that may help:
- Create a simple budget to track income and expenses (even a notebook or spreadsheet can work)
- Set up direct debits for regular bills so payments are automated
- Save small amounts regularly to build an emergency buffer
- Review your service plans annually to see if cheaper options are available
- Use comparison tools such as Energy Made Easy to explore alternatives
- Apply for concessions as soon as you become eligible
- Contact providers early if you think you may miss a payment
For more practical budgeting guidance, see:
https://www.credit24.com.au/blog/how-to-do-a-budget
Credit24: Emergency funding for urgent bills
If you're at risk of having your services cut off or your bills are seriously overdue, you may consider an emergency loan as one option to help manage urgent expenses.
Credit24 offers personal loans from $500 to $10,000, with features such as:
- A fast online application process
- Flexible repayment terms (subject to approval)
- Transparent fees and charges (as outlined in the loan agreement)
- Funds that may be received quickly via OSKO to participating banks after approval*
- Responsible lending assessments based on your circumstances
Credit may be useful in some situations, but it’s important to consider whether repayments will fit your budget. Exploring hardship support and free financial counselling may also help you find longer-term solutions.
You can also explore other Credit24 products here:
https://www.credit24.com.au/emergency-loans
https://www.credit24.com.au/personal-loans
https://www.credit24.com.au/debt-consolidation-loans
*Funds may be received shortly after loan approval or a withdrawal from a Line of Credit is processed, depending on your bank and OSKO participation.
Disclaimer
IPF Digital Australia Pty Ltd, trading as Credit24, ABN 59 130 894 405. Australian Credit Licence 422839. The information in this article is general in nature and does not consider your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Lending criteria, fees, and charges apply. For product details, eligibility requirements, and full terms and conditions, visit www.credit24.com.au.
