If you’ve had a change to your personal circumstances, you may find it hard to keep up with your repayments. We’re here to support you and can help you manage your credit card or loan repayments with a solution tailored to your situation.
4 minute read
Financial hardship is when a change in your circumstances makes it difficult for you to manage your debts and make repayments when they’re due.
Financial hardship could be caused or exacerbated by:
Our team is here to help. We’ve also got a bunch of other helpful resources below.
If you’re unable to meet your minimum monthly repayments or require ongoing financial assistance, we’re here to help. We can chat to you about ways to manage your credit card or loan repayments.
You can message us in the app or online banking – just ask for a Customer Assist Officer. We’re available via chat or phone 6am - 6pm AWST Monday to Friday.
In the app: From the home screen, tap ‘Contact us’ > ‘Message us now’.
In online banking: Click ‘Message us now’ on the right of the screen.
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.
Email: financial.assist@bankwest.com.au
Fax: 1300 552 839
Post:
Financial Assist
Post Office Box E237
Perth WA 6841.
Otherwise nominate a representative to act on your behalf and fill out a Third Party Request (PDF).
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)
We’re available: 6am - 6pm AWST Monday to Friday
Email: financial.assist.represented@bankwest.com.au
You can also nominate a representative to act on your behalf and fill out a Third Party Request (PDF).
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 Financial 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.
Everyone is affected differently. We may be able to assist you by:
Once you've applied for hardship assistance, we'll contact you within three business days. Please have the following information ready:
If you need support due to COVID, we’ve got specific solutions that could help with your home loan, personal loan or credit card. Call our Financial Assist team on 1300 769 173 or email financial.assist@bankwest.com.au.
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.
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a work-based intervention that aims to improve the wellbeing of employees of a participating employer. Such programs provide preventative and proactive actions to identify and resolve issues that can impact on an employee, including financial hardship. Contact your employer to see if an EAP is available to you.
You may be eligible to access part of your superannuation early to cover specific expenses if:
If you’re behind on your repayments and are unable to make them up in one go, our Early Customer Engagement 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.
We’re available Monday to Friday, 6am - 6pm and Saturdays 8am - 2pm AWST.
We take care of all the BS (bank stuff) so you can access the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. When we write a guide or article, we take steps to make sure the information is relevant, accurate and most of all, helpful.
