If you cannot cover everything this pay, the order you deal with it in matters. Here is a calm sequence: rank the bills, contact the providers early and use the free help that exists.
Written by Alex BPublished 10 November 2026
Money Detective is built around practical household money tools for Australians.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. If you feel overwhelmed, the free National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007, Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm) can talk it through, and Moneysmart's urgent help page lists other services.
If you only have part of what you owe, enter the money you can put towards bills until payday, then each bill with its priority group and due date. The planner sorts them in a common order of priority (housing first), shows which are covered and lists the ones to contact before the due date. It is an aid for deciding what to call about first, not advice, so change the groups if your situation is different.
Include rent or mortgage, utilities, phone, insurance, loan and card repayments, BNPL instalments and fines. Put the amount you owe, the due date and what happens if it is late. Seeing the whole list often shows the problem is smaller, or more specific, than it felt.
A common approach is to protect the things that keep you housed, safe and connected first, and deal with the rest through arrangements:
The order depends on your situation and the consequences of missing each one. A financial counsellor can help you decide.
Asking early is easier than asking after a missed payment. Have these ready: the reason, your income and main expenses, and the amount you can pay.
Moneysmart says hardship arrangements are agreements with your lender to change your repayments, such as a payment plan or changed loan terms. Your lender must consider you when you ask, and must give reasons if they refuse. Moneysmart also says a hardship arrangement does not affect your credit score, although it appears on your credit report, and the listing is deleted after 12 months.
Energy.gov.au says to contact your retailer immediately if you cannot pay on time. They may extend your due date, let you pay weekly or fortnightly, waive late fees, or check whether you are on the right plan. Under the National Energy Customer Framework (which applies in the ACT, NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania), every retailer must have a hardship policy and you can ask for a copy. Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory have their own rules. If you are unhappy with the response, you can contact your state or territory energy ombudsman, which is free.
Phone, internet and insurance providers also have hardship teams. Search "hardship" with the provider's name, or call the number on your bill.
Energy.gov.au says to contact your retailer immediately if you cannot pay on time. A hardship program electricity customers can use may let you extend the due date, pay weekly or fortnightly, have late fees waived or check you are on the right plan. Things to do:
Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory have their own rules. If you are unhappy with the response, the energy ombudsman in your state or territory is free. For help comparing plans once things settle, see our electricity bill guide.
"I am having trouble paying this bill by the due date. I can pay [amount] now and [amount] on [date]. Can you tell me what hardship options you offer?" Keep it short. You do not need to explain more than you want to, though they may ask about your income and expenses so they can offer the right option.
| Bill | Who to contact | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | Landlord or agent | A short payment plan, in writing |
| Mortgage or loan | Lender's hardship team | A hardship arrangement |
| Electricity or gas | Your retailer | Hardship program, extension or instalments |
| Phone and internet | Provider's hardship team | A payment plan or a cheaper plan |
| Credit card or BNPL | The lender | Hardship arrangement. See BNPL in your budget |
| Insurance | Insurer | Change the payment date or frequency |
It depends on the bill. Late fees, collection and, for some debts, legal action are possible, which is why contacting the provider before the due date matters.
A common approach is housing, then utilities, then food, medication and transport, then insurance, then other debts. A financial counsellor can help with your situation.
An arrangement with a provider to change how you pay when you are in difficulty, for example more time or smaller payments. Moneysmart explains how hardship arrangements work.
The National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) is free and confidential.
Moneysmart's urgent help with money page lists services.
A plan you cannot afford is worse than none. Moneysmart advises agreeing only to an amount you can afford, and if you cannot keep to it, telling your lender straight away, paying what you can and negotiating a new arrangement.
Once things are stable, look at why it happened: a shortfall, a timing problem or a big irregular bill. See living paycheck to paycheck and running out of money before payday. A payday routine that lists bills before payday can stop the next gap forming.
This article provides general information only. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not financial advice. Examples use invented figures. Money Detective's tools provide estimates and planning information. Consider your own circumstances, and seek independent advice if you need it, before making financial decisions.