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Financial hardship

We understand that sometimes, life can be tough. If you’ve had a change to your personal circumstances, you may find it hard to keep up with your repayments. Experiencing financial hardship is more common than you think, but getting support is important – and we’re here to help.

Coronavirus support

If you need support due to the coronavirus, we’ve got specific solutions that could help with your home loan, personal loan or credit card.

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Support wherever you need it

See how we can help when it comes to personal circumstances such as unexpected life changes, natural disasters, deceased estates and more.​

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What is financial hardship?

Financial hardship is when you’re willing but unable to pay what you owe because of unexpected events or unforeseen changes that impact cashflow. For example:

  • Changes to your income or expenditure expenses
  • A change to your employment status, such as job loss or reduced work hours
  • A significant life event, such as a relationship breakdown or death in the family
  • You become injured or sick
  • There's an emergency event or natural disaster.


If you’re experiencing any of these events, or other reasons for financial hardship, you’ll be expected to reasonably recover your financial position once appropriate arrangements are made.

How do I apply for hardship assistance?

Our team is here to help. We’ve also got a bunch of other helpful resources below.

Customer Assist team

If you’re unable to meet your minimum monthly repayments or require ongoing financial assistance, we’re here to help.

Phone: 1300 769 173 ? If you’re overseas, call +61 8 9481 8115 and choose option 1. Calls made overseas from landlines or mobile phones will be subject to international call rates. Close
Email: customer.assist@bankwest.com.au
Fax: 1300 552 839
Post:
Customer Assist
Post Office Box E237
Perth WA 6841.

Otherwise:
- Send us a completed Application for Hardship Assistance (PDF)
- Nominate a representative to act on your behalf and fill out a Third Party Request (PDF).

Customer Assist managed and sensitive accounts team

If you’re a financial counsellor or are being represented by a financial counsellor or authorised representative, get in touch with our specialist team.

Phone: 1300 572 961 (option 3)
Email: customer.assist.managed@bankwest.com.au

You can also nominate a representative to act on your behalf and fill out a Third Party Request (PDF).

What will happen when you contact us

Contacting us should be your first step if you’re struggling to make your repayments due to unforeseen circumstances. Getting support as early as possible could take the pressure off and help you to manage your finances.

Your circumstances are unique and we assess each situation individually. Our Customer Assist team are dedicated to guiding you on the best approach for your current financial position. We offer appropriate solutions, such as payment plans, where possible.
 

Our approach

Everyone is affected differently. We may be able to assist you by:

  • reducing your payments for a period of time
  • extending your repayment arrangements.

Once you've applied for hardship assistance, we'll contact you within three business days. Please have the following information ready:

  • how your situation has changed
  • what income you are currently receiving
  • what your expenses are (bills, rent, mortgage, transport, food, insurance, etc)
  • how much you can currently afford to pay
  • how and when you expect your situation to change.

Resources to help get you back on track

Support around the clock

  • beyondblue – a not-for-profit organisation that supports Australians suffering from depression, anxiety or other mental health issues
  • Gambling Help Online – provides free support for anyone affected by gambling
  • 1800RESPECT – a phone and online counselling service for people affected by sexual assault or domestic and family violence.

Guidance for your debts

  • National Debt Helpline – have simple guides on managing debt. You can also contact them directly or find a financial counsellor in your local area through their interactive map
  • Doing It Tough? – has practical advice and guidance about managing your debts
  • MoneySmart – tips and tools to help you make the most of your money.

Other ways to seek support

St Andrew’s Insurance

If you have St. Andrew’s insurance on your products, you might be covered if you find yourself in a situation where you’re unable to keep up with your bills. You can contact them directly or visit their website to find out more about your policy.

St. Andrew’s website

Employee assistance

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a work-based intervention that aims to improve the wellbeing of all employees. The program provides preventative and proactive actions to identify and resolve issues that can impact on a colleague, including financial hardship.

Learn more

Overwhelmed but not in hardship just yet?

Our Payment Solutions team can help

If you’re behind on your repayments and are unable to make them up in one go, our Payment Solutions team can look into flexible options for your future payments. You can get in touch with us on 1300 787 144. ? If you’re overseas, call +61 8 9481 8115 and choose option 3. Calls made overseas from landlines or mobile phones will be subject to international call rates. Close

We’re available Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm and Saturdays 8am - 2pm AWST.

Call 1300 787 144

Helpful tools and guides

A guide to help older people avoid financial abuse, scams and fraud.

Types of scams and what to do if you encounter one.

We’re here to help

Need more help? Speak with someone from the team today.

Call 13 17 19
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The advice on this page has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before acting on this advice, consider its appropriateness to your personal circumstances.