Carer Pathway
We welcome all unpaid carers to our Carer Pathway resources page.
As a carer it can be hard to attend to your own needs. Sometimes money doesn’t stretch far enough, and the caring role can be unpredictable.
If you are facing debt or other money trouble, you may benefit from speaking to a financial counsellor (for over 18s only). More about the program…
Understanding that carers are busy people who cannot always be available to speak on the phone about their personal matters, we have developed a dedicated pathway for you to access financial counselling. The Carer Pathway –
- Makes it easier for carers to set up contact with a financial counsellor
- Helps carers access initial assistance as early as possible
- Gives carers choice about which agency they work with over the longer term (if needed).
If you would like to book an initial conversation with a financial counsellor, please click the ‘Go to the Carer Pathway’ button below. This video shows you how to use the Carer Pathway online form.
Once you make a booking, a financial counsellor from the National Debt Helpline will –
- Call you from an undisclosed number, at times you have specified
- Listen to your concerns and provide free advice to help
- Select (in consultation with you) a suitable financial counselling service and make a warm referral for you – if you require ongoing financial counselling support
- Put you in touch with other services that may be helpful, for example, legal, health, crisis food & accommodation support.
An information sheet on the Carer Pathway and how to access it
How a care recipient can access financial counselling (noting it is important for the carer and the care recipient to have their own independent assistance)
A handy checklist to help you run through the basics of staying on track with your money and identify any questions you may have
Free programs to help you learn more about managing the household finances – this guide helps you choose a program that best suits your needs and preferred learning style
Hear from a financial counsellor about the Carer Pathway for Financial Counselling...
If you have any questions about the program or the above resources, please feel free to contact us.
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Financial counsellors are qualified professionals providing free, confidential and independent support and advocacy to individuals experiencing financial hardship. Their work is person-centred and strengths-based; they listen to your story and help with options that respond to your needs and preferences. By identifying options, the financial counsellor empowers you to make better choices and improve your situation.
Financial counsellors mostly operate from non-profit agencies and work under credit licence and financial services licence exemptions which permit them to access financial information and negotiate with creditors on your behalf (with your consent). Practical assistance of this kind is of great value in resolving confusion and relieving stress.
Financial Counselling Victoria (FCVic) is the peak body for all financial counsellors operating in Victoria.
FCVic acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.