What about other debts?
As well as debts arising from use of credit, many families have debts from unpaid bills.
Basic Services
Where families are behind in payments for basic services such as housing, gas, electricity and water this can put considerable stress on the family. Losing access to these services could lead not just to problems because of the debt but also to child protection issues because the family may not be able to provide basic physical care. Limited help may be available in the form of power vouchers or help from the State Housing Department. Check with your local community centre, financial counsellor or tenancy service.
- Financial Counselling: http://www.afccra.org/counselling.htm
- Tenancy Services: http://www.tenants.org.au/about/about_links.php
Bills for medical or legal services
Low-income working parents especially may have difficulty accessing bulk-billed medical services or legal aid.
Phone bills
Families may owe money to multiple phone companies.
Victim’s Compensation
If a family member has served prison time for a crime that caused injury and their victim was compensated by the state, the offender may be liable to pay through a government authority.
Fines
May be traffic, parking or court ordered fines. If these aren’t paid they can lead to cancelling of driving licences, or a prison sentence.
