Financial hardship broadly means that paying an amount in the way it is currently due would leave you unable to meet your reasonable, necessary living expenses — things like housing, food, utilities and essential transport.
Hardship can be temporary or longer-term, and it can have many causes: a change in income, illness, the loss of a job, a relationship breakdown, or an unexpected major expense. You do not need to fit a particular category — what matters is your actual situation.
If paying this account would cause you genuine hardship, the important step is to tell us. The guideline encourages flexible, sustainable arrangements for people in difficulty, and being open about your circumstances lets us consider your situation properly.
Was this article helpful, or still not sure? Our team is happy to talk it through.