The Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code C628:2012 defines Financial Hardship as a situation where a customer is unable to discharge of the financial obligations in relation to our services but where the customer expects to be able to do so over time if payment arrangements
We encourage you to contact us if you experience any difficulties paying our services. Please contact us by calling 1300 788 869 (3 for Accounts) if you would like to discuss any Financial Hardship matters with us. You can do so from 9am-4pm Monday to Friday (excluding National and QLD state wide Public Holidays).
Statement of Intention
“We are here to help. We will work with you to help you respond to financial difficulty, whether temporary or long-term. We are committed to helping customers facing financial hardship maintain telecommunications access and working with you to find a sustainable solution. Any help we can give will depend on your individual circumstances, and we provide help on a case-by case basis
Your Service Options should you experience Financial hardship
You may choose 1 or all of the options below should you experience financial hardship and have entered into and agreement with Call Central to pay your outstanding amount.
- Spend Controls. Upon your request, Call Central can provide you with a reduced spend limit on your account to ensure you do not go over your budgeted monthly spend with us.
- Restriction of Service. Upon your request, Call Central can restrict your ability to use a service to ensure you do not incur any further costs.
- Transfer to a PrePaid Service: Upon your request, Call Central can convert your service into a prepaid service.
Your Payment Options should you experience Financial Hardship
You may choose 1 or all of the options below should you experience financial hardship and have entered into and agreement with Call Central to pay your outstanding amount.
- Agreeing on an alternative arrangement, plan, or contract, including discussing Pre-Paid Services
- Temporarily postponing or deferring payments (for a longer period than would typically be offered to Customers requesting an extension outside of Financial Hardship arrangements)
- Waiving late payment fees
Available Times for Contact
Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm via email on accounts@callcentral.com.au or phone 1300 788 869 (option 3 for accounts).
The Process:
When assessing your eligibility for Financial Hardship, we may ask you to provide certain documents such as:
- A statutory declaration or official written communication from a person or support group that is familiar with your circumstances,
- Evidence that you consulted a recognised financial counsellor,
- A statement of your financial position.
We may not be able to make an assessment of your circumstances if you do not provide us with the requested information. We may use the information you provide as well as other information available to us. Once we received all required information, we will let you know within 7 working days whether you are eligible for assistance under our Financial Hardship Policy.
If Eligible:
If you are eligible, will work with you to come to an arrangement that allows you to pay your outstanding charges in a way that does not worsen your financial position. Where appropriate we will discuss means with you how to limit your spend (this may include barring some service features) during the time of our arrangement and thereafter.
Once we come to an agreement we will put this in writing via letter or email to you. You must inform us if your circumstances change (for better or for worse) during our arrangement. We will not charge you for assessing your Financial Hardship circumstances or for administering the matter.
Finding a Financial Counsellor:
You can talk to a phone financial counsellor from anywhere in Australia by ringing 1800 007 007 (minimum opening hours are 9.30 am – 4.30 pm Monday to Friday). This number will automatically switch through to the service in the State or Territory closest to you.
Alternatively, you can find the financial counselling service nearest to you by visiting http://www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au/Corporate/Find-a-Counsellor.
Complaints handling process. Click here to review our complaints handling process.