The Telecommunications Consumer Protections Code C628:2019 defines Financial Hardship as a situation where a customer is unable to discharge of the financial obligations in relation to our services due to a reasonable temporary or ongoing cause but where the customer expects to be able to do so over time if payment arrangements are changed.
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.
Contact us
We encourage you to contact us if you experience any difficulties paying our services. Please contact us by calling 1300 550 014 if you would like to discuss any Financial Hardship matters with us. You can do so from 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.
Understanding the process
When assessing your eligibility for Financial Hardship, we may request supporting documentation to conduct an assessment. However, we would not ordinarily require it unless:
- It appears that the financial arrangement will need to be long term;
- We consider the amount to be repaid large or significant;
- The Customer has not been a Customer with TechRentals very long; or
- We have reasonable belief there is a possibility of fraud.
If you satisfy one of the above criteria, 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; and
- 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 5 working days whether you are eligible for assistance under our Financial Hardship Policy.
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 reducing your call plan to a lower monthly line rental option) 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 have the right to request these details in writing. 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.
Your options
If you are experiencing Financial Hardship, there are a few options that may be available to you depending on your circumstances.
If you wish to stay connected with us, some options include:
- Disconnect your satellite service until next required;
- Consider a Pre-Paid Service or a lower plan option if available;
- Consider a cheaper Network. The network options available are Iridium, Inmarsat and Thuraya.
Some other options for suitable financial arrangements include:
- Temporarily postponing or deferring payments;
- Agreeing on an alternative arrangement, plan, or contract, including discussing Pre-Paid Services or a lower plan option;
- Waiving cancellation fees;
Finding a financial counsellor
You can talk to a phone financial counsellor or a consumer advocate who deals with financial difficulty matters 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 Financial Counselling Australia
Information on the Complaints Handling Process
You may wish to make a complaint and request a review if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your Financial Hardship application. Please view TechRentals complaint handling process here.