The COVID-19 pandemic has played havoc with our collective finances, causing many families and individuals to suddenly find themselves in need of help.

The good news is that most banks, credit unions and other lenders, as well as government agencies and the private health insurance sector, have put measures in place to offer relief. Here, we’ve compiled a list of resources for your convenience.

Please note that this list is not all inclusive. Contact your individual lender or check their website if you do not find them listed here.

The Big Four Banks

• ANZ
• Commonwealth Bank
• National Australia Bank
• Westpac

Other Banks

• AMP
• Arab Bank
• Bank of China
• Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited
• Citibank Australia
• HSBC Bank Australia Ltd
• ING Bank
• Macquarie Bank Limited
• St. George
• Suncorp

Credit Unions

• CUA
• Heritage Bank
• Newcastle Permanent
• People's Choice Credit Union
• IMB Bank
• Beyond Bank Australia
• Teachers Mutual Bank Limited
• P&N Bank
• Bank Australia

Other

• Australian Banking Association

Government Resources

A range of federal and state government financial assistance packages are now available to both individuals and businesses via the following agencies.

• Australian Government Department of Home Affairs
• Services Australia
• Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
• MoneySmart by ASIC
• The Treasury

State and Territory Support

Your state or territory government can also help you find support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

• ACT Government - COVID-19 economic survival package
• NSW Government - COVID-19
• NT Government - jobs rescue and recovery
• Queensland Government - COVID-19 economic relief package
• SA Government - COVID-19
• Department of Health Tasmania - COVID-19 response measures
• Department of Health and Human Services Victoria - COVID-19
• WA Government - Coronavirus COVID-19

Private Health Insurance

Many private health insurers are now offering members the ability to suspend their membership temporarily. The majority of health funds are also delaying their premium increase until at least 1 October 2020.

Check your insurance provider’s website for more information or contact them directly. You can find updates from some of the major private health insurers here:

• Medibank
• BUPA
• HCF
• HBF
• NIB

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should consider whether the information is appropriate to your circumstance before acting on it, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a finance professional such as an adviser.