Your financial
independence
Practical steps for rebuilding safely
Everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and in control of their own finances. The information below offers gentle, practical steps to help you regain financial independence at your own pace.
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24hr Confidential Support
Safe and practical
ways to access
money on your own
You may wish to contact a bank of your choosing to open a new account in your sole name.
When setting it up, you can let the bank know you’d like additional privacy or security measures in place.
You might choose to receive electronic statements rather than postal mail and check that your contact details are safe and private.
If you’re unsure whether someone can access your current email or devices, it may help to create a new email address and review your device settings when it’s safe to do so.
Once your new account is open, follow the bank’s prompts to set up secure online banking and keep your login details private.
When you’re ready, you can update your employer or Centrelink so your income or payments are redirected safely to your new account.
Getting or replacing important documents
Having valid identification (ID) can help you access essential services such as Centrelink, Medicare, banking and housing.
If you don’t currently have ID, or it isn’t safe to retrieve it, you can begin the process of organising new documents when it feels safe to do so.
There are services that can walk beside you through this process — including Centrelink, Services Australia and a range of community organisations.
If you don’t have a fixed address right now, you may be able to use the address of a trusted person or service (with their consent).
Protecting your finances and
personal information
You may wish to review your device and online safety settings using the eSafety Commissioner’s guide.
You can create passwords that others can’t easily guess and keep them private.
You might like to ask your bank to send all statements by email rather than by post.
It can be helpful to keep a personal list of your financial providers so you can easily update details if your circumstances change.
Repairing credit
and reclaiming financial control
You may wish to complete a free credit check through Equifax to see what information is currently listed in your name.
If you’re concerned that someone might try to use your identity to open accounts, you can request a temporary ban on your credit file. This means credit providers can’t issue credit without your permission while the ban is in place.If you notice something on your report that doesn’t look right, you can ask Equifax to review it through their free investigation service.
Safely receiving
money or benefits
You may be eligible for government payments or financial assistance, including emergency support.
Centrelink Crisis Payment
For people experiencing extreme circumstances such as family and domestic violence
Queensland Government
Financial recovery after violence
myGov
Managing money after violence
When it feels safe to do so, you can also view your superannuation accounts through myGov to see where your funds are held and whether hardship access may apply to your situation.
Understanding
your rights around shared assets
For information or guidance about property, vehicles or shared savings, you may wish to seek free and confidential legal advice through Legal Aid Queensland.
Legal Aid Queensland offers a domestic and family violence duty lawyer service at many courts and community offices.
Their team can
Explain your legal rights and available options
Support you to complete required forms
Connect you with community services for ongoing assistance, if you choose
Learning to manage your money independently
Budgeting
You may like to begin by creating a simple budget — noting your income and regular expenses to see what’s left over.
The MoneySmart Budget Planner offers a free, easy-to-use guide.
Saving
When it feels right, you might explore small ways to build savings — such as reviewing bills for better deals or setting aside a small amount for future goals or emergencies.
Remember
You’re taking thoughtful, courageous steps toward greater stability and choice in your life. Support is available if and when you need it — you don’t have to walk this path alone.
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