About this resource
Many creditors and utility providers have hardship programs. This template helps people write a short, clear letter explaining their situation, what they can afford and what they are asking for, with guidance for workers on what to include and when to refer to a financial counsellor.
Purpose
To help people request hardship assistance clearly and keep a record of their request.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Community services and case workers. Also relevant for social workers.
Client or participant group: Adults experiencing financial hardship, and the workers supporting them.
Practice setting: Emergency relief, financial counselling referral, housing and community services.
Suggested uses
- Requesting payment plans for bills
- Asking for hardship assistance
- Preparing for a phone call with a creditor
- Keeping records of requests
Instructions for practitioners
- Support the person to write in their own words.
- Make sure the payment offered is genuinely affordable.
- Keep copies and note the date sent.
- Refer to a free financial counsellor for complex debts, multiple creditors or legal action.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Fill in the gaps.
- Only offer an amount you can afford.
- Keep a copy and write down the date you sent it.
Accessibility considerations
Workers can scribe. Interpreters can support people to explain their situation.
Scope and limitations
A letter template for general use. It is not legal or financial advice. Free financial counselling is available through the National Debt Helpline.
Research basis
Debt and financial stress are strongly linked with poorer mental and physical health, so practical financial support is part of holistic care.
- Richardson, T., Elliott, P., & Roberts, R. (2013). The relationship between personal unsecured debt and mental and physical health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 33(8), 1148–1162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2013.08.009
What is included
A 3-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
