We understand that at times, our customers may experience financial difficulty and require financial assistance.

If you're experiencing financial difficulty, and can’t meet your regular repayments or other financial obligations, please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can work together to find the right solution for you.

There are many reasons you may require financial assistance including:

  • unemployment or reduction in income
  • serious illness or injury
  • family and domestic violence
  • loss of a family member
  • rising cost of living or other unexpected expenses
  • natural disasters (e.g. bushfire or floods)
  • a relationship breakdown
  • business downturn.

We understand everyone’s situation is different and that’s why we have a range of support options that can be tailored to meet your needs. This may include:

  • payment arrangements, including deferring or reducing your repayments for a certain period
  • assistance with missed repayments and flexible options to help you make your repayments

Applying Online

Prepare to apply

To apply for financial assistance please review our supporting guide (below), so you know what to expect and what information is required to complete your application.

If you’re a business banking customer, please contact your relationship manager who will work with you to find a tailored solution for you.

If you’re an authorised third-party acting on behalf of a customer or business, please call us on the numbers listed below.

Complete the application form

The online form takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete. Give yourself enough time to complete the form in a single session, as you won’t be able to save progress and return later.

The information you provide on the form will help us to understand your situation and develop a tailored solution to meet your needs. Make sure you complete the form with all required and relevant details as incorrect completion of the form may result in delays.

What happens next

Our team will assess your application and will contact you within 21 calendar days to advise the outcome of your application or to request additional information.

If we need any additional information from you, you’ll need to provide this within 21 calendar days of the request. If this information isn’t provided within this timeframe, your application will be declined because you haven’t provided the documents required for us to assess your request.

How do I apply for financial assistance and what do I need to provide?

Applying online at your convenience is the fastest way to submit your request for financial assistance. Alternatively, you may contact us via live chat on your mobile banking app or Macquarie Online Banking, or you can call us on 02 8550 5686 from 9am to 5pm Sydney time Monday to Friday.

In most cases, to assess your application we’ll need details about your financial position, including your income, expenses, and liabilities. You’ll also need to provide the reason for your application and confirm that you have a plan to resume your repayments once the assistance period ends.

When providing information on your financial position, remember to

  • Include your combined income and expenses if your spouse or partner contributes to household expenses.
  • Ensure you include all income sources after tax, including rental income, overtime, dividends and government benefits.
  • Do not include any loan repayments in general expenses and additional expenses.

Everyone’s situation is different and depending on the nature of your request, you may also be asked to provide additional documentation to support your financial assistance application.

Main reason for financial difficultySupporting document required (no more than 60 days old):
Reduced income, increased cost of living or overcommitted
  • 2x computer generated pay slips OR
  • Letter from your employer explaining the reduction in income OR
  • Most recent financial year’s ‘Tax Ready’ ATO Income statement OR
  • Centrelink Income statement OR
  • Evidence of Centrelink entitlement
 

For Self-employed income

  • Year-to-date Business Activity Statements (BAS) OR
  • Year-to-date management accounts including your Profit and Loss
Unemployment
  • a separation certificate, letter of termination from your employer, or evidence of Centrelink entitlements 
Serious illness or injury
  • a letter from your doctor or specialist outlining your illness and recovery time
  • if injured, a letter from your insurer, compensation documents or work cover documents
Loss of a family member
  • an agent will contact you for any supporting documents required 
Assistance required while you sell your property
  • if Sold – front page of contract of sale and any special conditions
  • if NOT sold – copy of the agency agreement and marketing campaign
Unexpected expenses
  • satisfactory evidence of your unexpected expenses or liability
Other reasons
  • an agent will contact you for any supporting documents required

How is my comprehensive credit reporting impacted if I’m approved for financial assistance?

The credit reporting system includes financial hardship information. Your credit report includes your repayment history for credit accounts like credit cards, home loans, personal loans and car loans.

When a financial assistance arrangement is in place, this will appear on your credit report as 'financial hardship information'. If you meet the repayments agreed to in the arrangement, your repayment history will show that you have met your obligations.

Financial hardship information will not impact your credit score if you meet your obligations under the agreed arrangement and will be removed off your credit report 12 months after your final payment under the arrangement.

For more information about Comprehensive Credit Reporting (CCR) and what a financial assistance arrangement means for your credit report visit the Credit Smart website.

What happens if my application is approved?

If you’re application is approved, we’ll send you a confirmation which will include the details of your assistance arrangement. You’ll enter into the assistance arrangement for the agreed period and, at the end of the assistance period, we will notify you of any changes to your ongoing repayments.

Any direct debit in place on your loan will be paused and the agreed arrangement amount will apply. If you do not have a direct debit in place you will need to adjust your repayment method accordingly to meet the arrangement.

After your financial assistance period, we’ll automatically reactivate your new minimum monthly payments via direct debit. In preparation, you should ensure there are sufficient funds in your bank account.  If you do not have a direct debit set-up you will need to adjust your regular payment method.

What happens if my application is declined or if I’m not happy with the decision?

When assessing your application for financial assistance, we take into consideration your financial position and your ability to resume your contractual repayments at the end of the assistance period.

This may result in us declining your application where we decide that it's not in your best interests to enter into a financial assistance arrangement. In these cases we may recommend alternative options like repayment support while you sell your property, speaking with a financial counsellor or other external support services.

If you're not satisfied with our handling of your matter, you can get in touch with our Client Care team at macquarie.com.au/feedback-and-complaints or with the independent Australian Financial Complaints Authority.

How does applying for financial assistance impact my loan and repayments?

If you are approved for financial assistance on your Home Loan, interest will continue to accrue, and your loan term or maturity date will not change. When the financial assistance arrangement period ends, your repayment  will be recalculated to include the missed payments and interest over the remaining loan term.  This may increase your repayments however your interest rate will not be affected.

If you are approved for financial assistance on your Credit Card, the interest will be paused during the arrangement period. During this time, your card will be blocked from any spending, this restriction will continue for 6 months after the financial assistance arrangement ends.  Removal of the block will be subject to meeting our reinstatement criteria.

If you request assistance for your Car Loan, changes to your future repayments will be confirmed with you before they become effective.

What should I do if I’ve missed a repayment?

If you’ve missed a repayment, you can transfer the outstanding amount directly into your home loan account. To learn how to make a payment from a Macquarie Transaction or Savings Account, see How do I make a payment or transfer?

Once you’ve made the payment, you can check your transaction history for confirmation the payment has been received in your loan account.

If your home loan account starts with BSB 183 and has a fixed rate, or is a SMSF loan, please get in touch with a Macquarie consultant using live chat, and select ‘missed payments’ to discuss your payment options.

Please note, you may be in default if you fail to make your payment by the due date and no agreed payment arrangement is in place.

Financial Counselling and government support services

Australian Banking Association - Financial Assistance Hub

A guide designed to help you understand the options that may be available if you’re struggling financially.

ASIC Moneysmart

Provides tools, support and educational resources to improve financial capabilities and health. See the below links for specific help:

National Debt Helpline

Helps people who are experiencing financial difficulty. It’s available nationally and it’s a free, independent and confidential service.

Centrelink - Services Australia

Provides payments, social work counselling and third-party referrals and crisis payments.

Salvation Army - Moneycare

Provides assistance with financial coaching, financial counselling and no-interest loans.

Beyond Blue - Financial and Mental Wellbeing

Provides information and support for financial wellbeing and mental health.

Ask Izzy

Provides a directory of services for financial, legal and wellbeing support specific to the user’s location.

Services Australia - Crisis Payment

Provides access to a one-off payment if you have experienced an extreme circumstance and are in severe financial hardship.

Department of Social Services - Grants Service Directory

Provides access to support for immediate financial crisis situations.

Relationship, family and domestic violence support

Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline

Victims Services has a dedicated contact line for Aboriginal victims of crime who would like information on victims rights, how to access counselling and financial assistance. 

1800 RESPECT

A family violence and sexual assault counselling line.

Relationships Australia

Provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities.

Services Australia - family and domestic violence

Provides information, resources and referrals to those affected by family and domestic violence.

MensLine

Provides online and over the phone counselling services the men with emotional health and relationship concerns.

Mens' Referral Service

Provides counselling, information and referrals for men impacted by family violence. Also, a central point for contact for men who want to talk about their use of violence and gain support to stop it. Counsellors have specialist training in responding to the needs for the LGBTIQ community.

Tech Safety

Provides resources and support on technology, privacy and safety in the context of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and violence against women.

Mental Health Support and Suicide Prevention

If life is in danger call 000 immediately.

Carers Australia + Phone 1800 422 737

Carers Australia offers counselling, peer support and respite services for carers and their families.

Lifeline

A national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Beyond Blue + Phone 1300 22 4636

Over the phone, web and email support to people experiencing anxiety and depression.

Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service

Provides online and over the phone counselling services for children and young adults.

Griefline

Provides free counselling services and support to anyone experiencing grief, loss and/or trauma Australia wide.

Feel the Magic

Provides education and support services to assist children and families currently experiencing grief and/or loss.

Addiction

Counselling Online - drugs and alcohol support

Provides free online counselling for individuals affected by alcohol or drugs or anyone concerned with use by a family member or friend.

Gambling Help Online

Provides free online counselling and assessment tools for individuals affected by gambling.

Mental health

Black Dog Institute

Provides information on mental health services, education and research.

Butterfly Foundation

Support for eating disorders and body image issues.

Cost of living

Beyond Blue - Financial Wellbeing

Provides information around financial wellbeing and how it affects mental health and wellbeing.

ASIC Moneysmart – Manage the cost of living

Help Australians take control of their money with free tools, tips and guidance.

Natural disaster support

Disaster Assist

Provides information on current disasters and support for those affected.

Australian Red Cross + Phone 1800 733 276

Provides a range of community services and emergency help.

Salvation Army

Provides a range of spiritual and social support services to those in need.

Ask Izzy

Provides a directory of services for financial and wellbeing support specific to the user’s location.

Support for older Australians

Compass

Provides resources and information for those experiencing or witnessing elder abuse.

Safe & Savvy

Guide for avoiding abuse, scams and fraud for older or clients experiencing vulnerability.

Elder Abuse Helpline + Phone 1800 353 374

Provides information and assistance with those affected by elder abuse.

Seniors Rights Service

A community legal centre that provides advocacy, legal advice and education for older people.

Dementia Australia | National Dementia Helpline

Provides over the phone and online information and support services to those affected by dementia.

Disability support

Australian Guardianship and Administration Council

Provides support to individuals with disabilities that impair their capacity to make decisions.

Blue knot - National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma

Provides short-term phone counselling support and referrals for people living with a disability or experienced trauma.

Ask Izzy

Provides contact details and locations of disability advocacy agencies in your area.

LBGTQI and other support services

Emergency help

Lifeline + Phone 13 11 14

A national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service + Phone 1800 55 1800

Provides online and over the phone counselling services for children and young adults.

National services

QLife

Provides free telephone and web-based counselling, referrals and support groups for LGBTIQ+ people and their families.

Headspace

Provides free online support and counselling to young people aged 12-25 and their families and friends.

 

 

Contact us

For new financial assistance requests, please apply online. If you need help, you can connect with us via live chat through Macquarie Online Banking and the Macquarie Mobile Banking app. Or you can call us on 02 8550 5686, (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Sydney time).

To discuss missed repayments or payment arrangements, please contact our collections team via live chat through Macquarie Online Banking and the Macquarie Mobile Banking app. Or you can call us on 02 8550 5686, (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Sydney time).

Additional information

This information is a general description of the Macquarie Group only. Before acting on any information, you should consider the appropriateness of it having regard to your particular objectives, financial situation and needs and seek advice. No information set out above constitutes advice, an advertisement, an invitation, a confirmation, an offer or a solicitation, to buy or sell any security or other financial, credit or lending product or to engage in any investment activity, or an offer of any banking or financial service. Some products and/or services mentioned on this website may not be suitable for you and may not be available in all jurisdictions. All securities and financial products or instrument transactions involve risks. Past performance of any product described on this site is not a reliable indication of future performance.