Financial hardship

At Vodafone, we understand that life can take unexpected turns. If you're facing financial hardship, we're here to help.

It is free to make an application or enter any financial hardship arrangement. Our customers have the right to apply for short term or long-term assistance whenever they need.

Our priority is to keep you connected, with disconnection being a measure of last resort.

What is financial hardship?

Financial hardship can happen for many reasons including loss of income, personal or household illness, change in family circumstances, or because of natural disasters.

Vodafone considers financial hardship to be a situation where a customer, not-for-profit organisation, or business* is, or may be, unable to discharge their financial obligations owed to us or is experiencing other financial difficulties, and that customer or organisation considers they can discharge their financial obligation to us if an agreed arrangement for financial hardship assistance is implemented by us.

*A business that spends less than $40,000 annually with Vodafone, doesn’t have a genuine and reasonable opportunity to negotiate the terms of the contract and acquires telecommunication product(s) which are not for resale.

What are my options?

Some solutions we offer include:

• Payment arrangements
• Applying restrictions on your services
• Moving you to a lower cost plan (subject to your contract)
• Spend controls
• Payment moratorium
• Waiving late payment fees
• Transferring your service to prepaid (subject to your contract)
• Manual payment

How can I get help?

To make an application or for any assistance, please contact us on 1800 185 289 from 9am to 5pm AEST Monday to Friday or email us at financial.hardship@vodafone.com.au.

We’ll complete our assessment within 5 business days of receiving your application. You can call or email us using the above contact methods to monitor your application.

Communication of financial hardship arrangements

If we agree to a financial hardship arrangement, we’ll contact you within 2 business days of completing our assessment. However, if we determine you are not eligible, we’ll inform you immediately. You must contact us within 14 days if your circumstances change.

Where can I get further help?

The National Debt Helpline offers professional counsellors who can offer free and independent advice.

At Vodafone, we are committed to providing accessibility for all customers whether that be the way you contact us or the products we develop.

We’ll also work with a family member, friend, power of attorney or legal guardian if nominated.

If we cannot reach an agreed outcome, you can lodge a complaint.

If you’d like to seek a review or lodge a complaint, you can contact us.

Alternatively, you can make a complaint or contact the TIO for support and advice.

Additional information