COVID + Credit: Where to Find Financial Help Now
The COVID-19 pandemic has played havoc with our collective finances, causing many families and individuals to suddenly find themselves in need of help.
The good news is that most banks, credit unions and other lenders, as well as government agencies and the private health insurance sector, have put measures in place to offer relief. Here, we’ve compiled a list of resources for your convenience.
Please note that this list is not all inclusive. Contact your individual lender or check their website if you do not find them listed here.
THE BIG FOUR BANKS
OTHER BANKS
- AMP
- Arab Bank
- Bank of China
- Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited
- Citibank Australia
- HSBC Bank Australia Ltd
- ING Bank
- Macquarie Bank Limited
- St. George
- Suncorp
CREDIT UNIONS
- CUA
- Heritage Bank
- Newcastle Permanent
- People's Choice Credit Union
- IMB Bank
- Beyond Bank Australia
- Teachers Mutual Bank Limited
- P&N Bank
- Bank Australia
OTHER
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
A range of federal and state government financial assistance packages are now available to both individuals and businesses via the following agencies.
- Australian Government Department of Home Affairs
- Services Australia
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
- MoneySmart by ASIC
- The Treasury
STATE AND TERRITORY SUPPORT
Your state or territory government can also help you find support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
- ACT Government - COVID-19 economic survival package
- NSW Government - COVID-19
- NT Government - jobs rescue and recovery
- Queensland Government - COVID-19 economic relief package
- SA Government - COVID-19
- Department of Health Tasmania - COVID-19 response measures
- Department of Health and Human Services Victoria - COVID-19
- WA Government - Coronavirus COVID-19
PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE
Many private health insurers are now offering members the ability to suspend their membership temporarily. The majority of health funds are also delaying their premium increase until at least 1 October 2020.
Check your insurance provider’s website for more information or contact them directly. You can find updates from some of the major private health insurers here:
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstance before acting on it, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a finance professional such as an adviser.
We also suggest
COVID + CREDIT: How to prepare for a COVID-19 recession
With fears of an Australian recession due to COVID-19 rising, how can you prepare to ride out an economic storm?
COVID-19 and unemployment
COVID-19 has seen unemployment soar in Australia. Help is available if you have been laid off or are facing potential unemployment.
COVID + Credit: Consumer cyber security scams
Consumer cyber security scams have been on the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s how to spot them.