Members Who Need Extra Support

Accessible and Inclusive Banking

Unity Bank is committed to providing banking services which are inclusive and accessible to all Australians.

We offer various methods of accessing our services and products:

• Internet banking and banking app for accessing accounts
• Apple Pay
• In person at our branches
• Online application forms
• Mobile lending
• Bank@Post which enables some banking services to be accessed at your local Australian Post Office (fees may apply)

If you are having difficulty with accessing our services, please call us on 1300 36 2000 (8am - 7pm AEST, Monday to Friday) for assistance.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can contact us through the National Relay Service (NRS):

• for teletypewriter (TTY) services call 133 677 and ask for 1300 36 2000
• for voice relay services call 1300 555 727 and ask for 1300 36 2000

If English is not your first language, you can access a free interpreter service through the Translating and Interpreter Services (TIS) on 131 450. This service is provided by the Department of Home Affairs and is available in 150 + languages. Contact our staff to find out about how we can arrange for you to speak with us in your preferred language.

Members experiencing vulnerability

We understand that all our members may experience vulnerability at any time. Anyone can be vulnerable from a range of personal circumstances, including:

• health conditions
• advanced age
• language or literacy barriers
• a lack of familiarity with banking products and services
• relationship breakdown
• bereavement
• job loss
• financial abuse
• domestic violence;
• natural disasters.

If you are experiencing vulnerability please call us on 1300 36 2000 or email us at vulnerable@unitybank.com.au, so we can look at how we can provide extra care and support.

If you have a Unity Bank loan and your vulnerability is causing you to experience financial hardship, please refer to our hardship page which sets out your options.

We know it’s not easy to talk about our vulnerabilities and you may find it helpful to contact external government and community services and resources for support.

External Support Services and Resources

If you are experiencing vulnerability, you may find these resources helpful.

Financial hardship and financial literacy

• National Debt Helpline
  1800 007 007
  Provides free financial counselling help people with debt problems
  
  
• Money Smart
  Has tools to help you manage your money, plan, invest, or pay off debt
  
  
• Australian Government - Financial Information Services
  A free service that can inform and educate you about financial matters
  
  

Domestic violence

• 1800RESPECT
  1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732 or online chat via website
  A free and confidential service for family and domestic violence support

• No to Violence
  1300 766 491
  Confidential counselling service for men who want to change their behaviour
  
  
• Good Shepherd
  1300 050 150
  Free, confidential, ongoing support for people who have experienced financial abuse to feel more confident with money and plan for the future
  
  
• AskIzzy
  A website that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, family violence support, counselling and much more
  
  

 Older Australians

• Elder abuse phone line
  1800 ELDERHelp (1800 353 374)
  Phone line automatically redirects callers seeking information and advice on elder abuse with the relevant service in their state or territory
  
  
• eSafety Commissioner
  Be Connected is an Australian government initiative committed to building the confidence, digital skills and online safety of older Australians
  
  

Family & relationships

• Relationships Australia
  1300 364 277
  Offers various relationship support services to individuals, families and communities
  
  
• Better Place Australia
  1800 639 523
  Offers various support services for family related issues
  
  
• Family Violence Law Help
  Provides advice on domestic and family violence and the law in Australia
  
  

Mental health

• Beyond Blue
  1300 224 636
  Offers mental health support
  
  
• Lifeline
  13 11 14
  Crisis support and suicide prevention service
  
  
• MensLine Australia
  1300 78 99 78
  Online and phone counselling support for men
  
  

Cultural factors

• Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)
  131 450
  Provides an interpreting service for people who do not speak English and for agencies and businesses that need to communicate with their non-English speaking clients. 
  
  

Bereavement

• Grief Australia     
  1800 642 066
  Provides details of counselling and support services available for grieving Australians.
  
  

Disability

• Disability Gateway
  1800 643 787
  Provides information and services to help people with disability (and their carers) find support.
  
  
• National Relay Service (NRS)
  1800 555 660
  Helps you if you’re deaf or find it hard to hear or speak to people on the phone.
  
  

Natural disaster

• Australian State Emergency Services (SES)
  132 500
  Provides assistance to many emergency situations including flood, storm, bush search and rescue, and gives relief to those impacted.
  
  
• Australian Government Emergency Information Line
  180 22 66
  Help for people directly affected by a natural disaster event, such as fire, storms, or floods, in disaster-declared areas.
  
  

Addiction

• Family Drug Support
  1300 368 186
  Assists families to deal with alcohol and drug-related issues
  
  
• Counselling Online
  A free and confidential service that provides support to people across Australia affected by alcohol or drug use.
  
  
• Gambling Help Online
  1800 858 858 
  Counselling, information and support for individuals, partners, and families affected by gambling.