Free help and advice
If you’re unsure about a payment, a decision, or money worries, these services are free. Benefit Buddy can’t give advice about your own claim, but they can.
Services Australia (Centrelink)
Call the line for your type of payment. Call charges may apply, and opening hours vary, so check servicesaustralia.gov.au (opens in a new tab) for the latest numbers.
| For | Call |
|---|---|
| Age Pension, Seniors Health Card (Older Australians) | 132 300 |
| Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment and Carer Allowance | 132 717 |
| JobSeeker Payment and employment services | 132 850 |
| Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Subsidy, Parental Leave Pay, Parenting Payment | 136 150 |
| Youth Allowance, Austudy, Pensioner Education Supplement | 132 490 |
| To speak with an interpreter in your language | 131 202 |
You can also ask Services Australia for a social worker. It’s free and confidential, and they can help if you’re in a difficult situation.
Free financial counselling
The National Debt Helpline is a free, independent and confidential service for anyone in financial difficulty, not only people with debts. Call 1800 007 007 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm), or use the online chat at ndh.org.au (opens in a new tab).
MoneySmart (opens in a new tab) has free, independent information and tools from the Australian Government on budgeting, debt and more.
If you disagree with a decision
You can ask Services Australia to review a decision, and to explain how it was reached. Community legal centres and welfare rights services can often help with this for free. Ask Services Australia, or search for a community legal centre near you.
If you need urgent support
In an emergency, call 000. If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, any time.
Benefit Buddy isn’t connected to any of these services. Details were checked on 5 November 2026 and can change.