Student Financial Assistance
Often their time at UNE is the first experience students have of making their own decisions regarding money and how to manage a limited income. It may also be their first experience dealing with government agencies such as Centrelink, real estate agents or financial institutions. For many students money is a real problem.
Information is available to students on these webpages that may assist with money management and there is also advice for dealing with agencies or departments.
Coping With Difficult Financial Situations
If you find yourself unable to meet commitments (unexpectedly big bills, repayments on loans, rent etc) UNE Student Assist can help you look at your finances and see what options you have. If necessary, help can be given negotiating alternative arrangements with creditors or agencies.
It is important to do something as early as possible: most businesses, particularly large enterprises like electricity or phone companies, are willing to negotiate paying off bills and the sooner you contact them the easier it is. (More...)
Budget Planning Skills
The best option for dealing with financial problems is learning how to budget your finances and take control of them. UNE Student Assist can assist you in organising your own personal budget to cover the year or any other period. (More...)
Problems with Leases/Rentals
Living in rented properties can have pitfalls when things go wrong with the property itself or when your circumstances or those of your flatmates change.
UNE Student Assist has information about the rights of tenants from the Department of Fair Trading and can help you work through the problems.
Remember, there may be assistance available from the Department of Housing to help pay for part of the bond. (More...)
The Share Housing Surivial Guide, a joint project between the University of Sydney Student's Representative Council and Redfern Legal Centre provides a broad outline of tenancy rights. The guide is available online at http://www.rlc.org.au/sharehousing/
Centrelink
It can be very difficult and confusing dealing with a government agency such as Centrelink with its maze of rules and regulations.
If you are not sure that you are receiving correct entitlements from Centrelink (Pensions, Youth Allowance or AUSTUDY/ABSTUDY), if you are experiencing problems negotiating your way through the system, or if you need assistance with filling in forms, UNE Student Assist can provide assitance.
If necessary, UNE Student Assist can speak with Centrelink on your behalf to help resolve any problems you are having about your rate of payment, a debt raised against you or any other matter you need help with. (More...)
Department of Fair Trading
UNE Student Assis have information from the Department of Fair Trading on consumer rights, rental leases, credit information and scams to avoid.