Real stories: Michelle asked the bank for help with her mother’s mortgage

Michelle's mother Leigh was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. When Michelle was helping her to move into a nursing home, she found letters from her mother's bank about missed mortgage payments. To Michelle's shock, the bank had issued a statement of claim. This indicated the bank was taking legal action as her mother was so far behind with payments.

Michelle contacted the bank to explain about her mother's health and to ask for help. The bank was happy to hear from Michelle, as they hadn't had any contact from her mother.

After completing a financial hardship request, the bank offered Michelle’s mother a financial hardship arrangement. Michelle also got some free and independent advice about the bank’s offer from Legal Aid and guidance from a financial counsellor.

Michelle’s experience, though challenging, was positive due to the support she got and the bank’s fair handling of her mother’s situation.

'The bank was very keen to hear our story and I took the time to fill out their forms. I made sure I spelled it all out and told them how their help would make a difference. At the end of the day, what we are after is really some breathing time to fix things.'

Financial First Aid free financial counselling

Financial First Aid free financial counselling and mediation services are available to people who have money troubles and live in one of the many government funded areas across Victoria. First step is to enquire online or request an appointment.

For more real stories about people with financial troubles and how Financial First Aid financial counsellors mediated for them, go to the Financial First Aid website home page and scroll down to Real Stories.