Can I ask AGL for hardship help?

Yes. AGL has a hardship process (AGL Staying Connected hardship program). Contact them and explain your situation — they should work with you on options such as a manageable payment plan.

Will asking for help hurt my credit?

Asking for hardship help should not, by itself, put a default on your credit report. If you're unsure, a free financial counsellor can explain how it applies to you — National Debt Helpline, 1800 007 007.

How to ask AGL for financial hardship help

Written and reviewed by the DebtFreedom editorial team under our editorial policy. · Last updated 8 July 2026

If you're finding it hard to keep up with AGL, you can ask for financial hardship help — you have a right to. This page explains how to reach AGL, what to say, your rights, and the free help available. You never have to pay anyone to ask for hardship assistance.

How to reach AGL

Ask for their hardship team — AGL's program is called AGL Staying Connected hardship program.

Go to agl.com.au and search “financial support”, or call the number on your latest bill or statement and ask for financial hardship help.

Program details last checked 8 July 2026. Providers change their pages often — always confirm current contact details on AGL's own website.

What you can ask for

A manageable payment plan
Help accessing concessions and rebates
Protection from disconnection while participating

What to say

You don't need special words. Something like: “I'm having trouble paying and I'd like to apply for financial hardship help. Can we look at my options?”Be honest about what you can realistically afford — a plan only helps if it's sustainable.

Your rights

• Energy retailers must offer a hardship program and can’t disconnect you for non-payment while you’re following it.
• You may be eligible for government concessions, rebates or an emergency payment voucher.
• You can ask for a payment plan based on what you can afford.

If you're not getting anywhere

First, ask AGL to escalate to a complaint. If you're still not satisfied, you can complain for free to your state energy & water ombudsman (free) (energyombudsman.org.au). And for free, independent advice at any time, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

More energy & utilities

Origin Energy hardship help

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Struggling with debt? Free, confidential help is available from the National Debt Helpline — 1800 007 007.

This page provides general information only, based on the figures shown — not financial, legal or credit advice, and it doesn’t take your circumstances into account. Consider your own situation and seek independent advice before making decisions. DebtFreedom is not a lender or a financial counsellor.

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