Financial Counselling

People on a low-income and struggling to pay bills may be able to be assisted by a financial counsellor. Financial Counselling is a free and confidential service. The Financial Counselling Service at OARS Community Transitions can provide you with information and assistance with issues like:

Loss of income

Living on a pension or benefit

Concession eligibility

Pending disconnections

Negotiation with creditors

Debt recovery

Understanding contracts

Buying on credit

Consumer rights

Money difficulties due to relationship break-up

Short term and long term budgeting

Bankruptcy information

Superannuation information

Financial assessments for court

Housing Opportunities

The financial counsellor will provide a complete financial assessment and discuss various options available. All information regarding your financial situation is kept in strict confidence and will be stored securely by the Offenders Aid and Rehabilitation Services Financial Counselling Service. Our counselors are trained to assist people who have financial difficulties and maintain work practices as set down by the South Australian Financial Counsellors Association.

Financial Counsellors are available by appointment only and they can be booked directly by a client or from a referring agency. Financial Counsellors will listen, provide their support and help examine all options relevant to a financial situation. All appointments are held in a secure and friendly atmosphere.

What you need to bring to your appointment:

Pay slips, Centrelink statements and other income statements

A list of all expenses

A copy of your bills and contracts including utility, rates and telephone

Letters from creditors and debt collectors

Any documents or details relating to your current financial position

Other free and confidential services provided by the OARS SA Financial Counselling Service include:

Budget Counselling

Support Letters, for housing, negotiation with creditors and courts.

Referrals to other services:

Case Management

Support Services

Drug and Alcohol Counselling

Break Even Gambling

Domestic Violence Services

Youth Worker

Family/Relationship Counselling