Financial difficulty can affect anyone, at any stage of life, and for many different reasons. It may arise from unexpected events like illness, job loss, a sudden drop in income, or simply from struggling to keep up with bills and credit commitments. Whether it’s a short-term setback or a more ongoing challenge, you’re not alone.
We understand that financial difficulties can feel overwhelming and that’s why we are here to support you. If you’re going through financial hardship or finding it harder to manage your loan repayments, reaching out early can make a big difference.
Our friendly and dedicated team will take the time to understand your circumstances and offer you with clear options and tailored solutions.
Financial hardship doesn’t always look the same for everyone. It can be sudden or gradual, short-term or ongoing, and it can happen to anyone.
You might be:
These experiences are more common than people realise. In fact, nearly 1 in 2 Australians with debt struggle to meet their repayments according to ASIC, with many feeling isolated in their experience and unsure about where to turn.
Financial difficulty doesn’t mean failure, it means you may need support. Whether your situation is temporary or more complex, our team is ready to listen without judgment and work with you to find a way forward.
Life is unpredictable, and financial difficulty often follows unexpected events. These are some of the most common reasons we see:
You might relate to one of these causes, or perhaps it’s a mix. Whatever your situation, it’s valid, and there is a path forward.
We offer a range of tailored solutions to support you through financial difficulty. Potential assistance may involve:
If any of these solutions could help, please reach out. Our team is ready to discuss your options and guide you through the process.
1300 360 744 hardship@sccu.com.au
Applications for hardship assistance do not have to be in writing, it can be a verbal request. Call us on 1300 360 744 or email us at hardship@sccu.com.au.
Additional Support Services:
Beyond Blue – Support for depression and anxiety. Call 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au.
1800 RESPECT – 24/7 support for anyone affected by family or domestic violence. Call 1800 737 732 or use online chat at 1800respect.org.au.
MoneySmart – Free tools and guidance to help manage your money. Visit moneysmart.gov.au.
Join our SCCU community along with thousands of customers who love our easy to understand banking services and caring customer approach.
All our customers experiencing financial hardship are eligible to apply for assistance. We ask that you don’t wait if you know your financial situation is about to change, even if your loan repayments are currently up to date or in advance.
Applying for financial difficulty is easy and applications don’t need to be in writing. You can simply call us on 1300 360 744 to discuss your circumstances. However, if you do prefer another form of contact you can either email hardship@sccu.com.au or submit a form on the ‘How can I ask for help’ section at the top of the page, and one of our team members will guide you.
We recommend you reach out to us as soon as you’re aware of possible hardship, even before missed payments occur. This will give us the best chance to help you manage the situation. The sooner we understand what you need and map out a way forward, the more possibilities there are to avoiding further difficulties.
Depending on your situation, we may be able to offer:
Each case is individually assessed by our dedicated Financial Assistance and Hardship Team, where a plan will be created to match your particular circumstances and needs.
Life changes and unexpected events can suddenly impact your financial commitments, like receiving multiple bills at once, injury or illness, job loss, or a relationship breakdown are common reasons people fall behind – even if they have previously managed repayments. Sometimes a single event can cause financial hardship, and sometimes it happens gradually as a result of smaller changes.
Absolutely. We find it best for customers to speak to a dedicated team member during this process, allowing for continue support and comprehensive understanding of each context. If you would like to speak in person, we would suggest booking an appointment with our Financial Assistance and Hardships Team first to ensure you have a personalised experience.
Request your appointment by calling us on 1300 360 744 or by sending an email to hardship@sccu.com.au and we will get back to you.
Yes, you can access free independent financial counselling through trusted non-for-profit Debt Helpline organisations listed by MoneySmart.
Learn more here: https://moneysmart.gov.au/managing-debt/financial-counselling
From your first transaction to lifelong investments, with you across all financial life stages.
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If you'd like a little extra help, call our team on 1300 360 744.
