Financial Hardship Letter Template – Australia
Use this free financial hardship letter australia (Australia): fill it in online, download it as Word or PDF, and follow our step-by-step guide – where to send it, whether it needs notarizing, what to attach and mistakes to avoid.
| Country | 🇦🇺 Australia |
|---|---|
| Document type | Benefits & support |
| Format | Word, PDF & fill in online |
| Cost | Free |
| Time to complete | about 5 minutes |
| Notarization | Not required |
What is this letter for?
Australian banks and lenders must consider hardship requests under the National Credit Code. Energy retailers must offer hardship programs.
Where do you send it?
Send it to your bank's, lender's or energy retailer's financial hardship team.
Does it need to be notarized?
Not required. No notarization is needed: sign the letter by hand (or electronically if accepted) and keep proof of when you sent it.
What you need before you start
- Account number
- What changed and when
- Your proposed payment
How to use this template
- Click each yellow field inside the letter and type your details directly (Enter jumps to the next field).
- Read the text through; the “Edit” button lets you change any sentence.
- Click “Word”, “PDF” or “Copy”, then sign and send.
Free template : financial hardship letter australia
Your full name
Street address
Suburb STATE Postcode
Email | Phone
Date
Financial Hardship Team
Bank / provider
Re: Financial hardship request – account Account number
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am experiencing financial hardship because reason since date. I am requesting a hardship arrangement on my account Account number.
I can afford to pay $amount per week/fortnight/month for period.
Please confirm the arrangement in writing.
Kind regards,
Your full name
⚠️ Disclaimer: this template is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Always check the requirements of the organization you are writing to before sending it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Promising unaffordable payments.
- ❌ Waiting until default.
- ❌ Not complaining to AFCA if ignored.
Tips before you send it
- Contact the lender early.
- Be realistic about what you can pay.
- Free help: National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007.
Frequently asked questions
Can they refuse?
They must consider it and respond; you can complain to AFCA.
Will it affect my credit report?
A hardship arrangement may be recorded; ask your lender.
Where do I send this letter (financial hardship letter australia)?
Send it to your bank's, lender's or energy retailer's financial hardship team.
Does this letter (financial hardship letter australia) need to be notarized?
Not required – No notarization is needed: sign the letter by hand (or electronically if accepted) and keep proof of when you sent it.