\n <\/a><\/a>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n If you are in immediate danger of any kind, call 000<\/strong>. For help with flood, storm, tsunami and earthquake emergency call the State Emergency Service on 132 500<\/strong> (same number, all states).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Emergencies can happen at any time, and the costs can be overwhelming. It\u2019s important to know that help is available through a range of Australia-wide support services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unexpected costs can cause financial hardship. This is when your income cannot cover the cost of living, affecting your ability to make repayments on loans, deal with debts, and keep up with bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Banks, utility providers and telecommunications companies (\u2018telcos\u2019) have hardship departments you can talk to if your circumstances change because of an emergency. By giving them a call, and telling them about the financial difficulties you are facing, they can help you access short-term support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Financial hardship fact sheet<\/a> \u2013 key terms explained by the Financial Rights Legal Centre and how to apply for a hardship variation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 📌 <\/strong>For information on bills and help for what to do when you\u2019re having trouble paying, see our paying bills<\/a> page<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don’t have savings, then an emergency can create financial pressure. Taking out a loan might be one way of dealing with these unexpected circumstances and additional costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read about Loans and Debt <\/a>and Payment Options<\/a> to learn how the various lending products work, or consider whether a no interest loan could suit your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No Interest Loans<\/a> (NILs) allow you to borrow money to help you get back on your feet without having any of the crippling interest or high fees that come with other types of loans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n NILs are typically offered for up to $2,000-$3,000 for rent or bonds, essentials like fridges, washing machines, furniture, kitchenware, medical expenses, car repairs, education fees, and other goods and services you might need to get back on your feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are certain rules around who can apply for NILs. Broadly, you must: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, it can take some time for NILs loans to be approved and come through, so keep that in mind when applying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n NILs are a service offered by community organisations. You can find providers over at the Good Shepherd website<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You might have an insurance policy that can cover some or all of the cost of an emergency. Making a claim on your insurance is when you tell the insurance company that you have suffered a loss or damage that you understand to be covered by your policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The process you need to follow when making a claim will differ based on your insurer and the type of insurance you\u2019re claiming \u2013 though there are some commonalities between the providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Middle](\"https:\/\/studiokettle.com.au\/wip\/living-costs\/wp-content\/uploads\/unexpected_costs.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nManaging unexpected costs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What you can do<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where to find information<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Loans and debt in emergencies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No interest loans<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How does it work?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Who provides NILs?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Making an insurance claim<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
General guide to making a claim<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n