If you’re considering returning to work, planning for the future, learning about superannuation and investments, or managing a lump sum, Services Australia’s Financial Information Service (FIS) can help.
The FIS provides free, independent and confidential information to help you make informed decisions about your current and future financial needs. It has been a trusted source of independent financial information since 1989.
The FIS in a nutshell
- It is available to everyone, not just people receiving Services Australia payments and services.
- It also works with financially vulnerable people to improve their financial capability.
- It fosters self-sufficiency by looking at financial options beyond the payments and services offered by Services Auatralia.
- It provides a dedicated phone service, as well as video chat and face-to-face appointments.
- It provides information and resources online, in community information sessions, and through webinars.
The FIS is staffed by specialists located across the country.
We call them Financial Information Specialist Officers (or FIS Officers, we love an acronym in the public service). These officers have an expert understanding of social security payments and financial concepts.
They can help people of all ages build their financial capability, so they can make informed decisions to achieve their financial goals.
How can the FIS help?
FIS Officers can explain:
- how financial products work, and how they interact with government payments
- how government payments work, and how changes in your circumstances may affect your eligibility
- resources to help you with financial matters
- how a range of government and community services can help you.
The free and impartial information service can help you navigate the financial industry and use your resources to their best advantage.
Our free FIS webinars can help you understand your finances and increase your confidence with financial matters. You can register for upcoming live and interactive webinars or watch a range of recently recorded webinars covering topics of interest for people of all ages, including Financial Fitness, Mortgage Basics and Creating Savings and Super for Women.
You can find our webinars by searching here.
It’s important to point out that FIS Officers are not financial planners or financial counsellors. They do not give or sell advice or promote or purchase investment products. They do not advocate with agencies, businesses or government departments on your behalf. FIS officers do not make decisions about your payments.
Speak with a FIS Officer
To speak to the FIS, call on 132 300. Say ‘Financial Information Service’, when prompted for the reason for your call. This will take you through to a FIS Officer who will help you with your inquiry.
Depending on your circumstances, the FIS Officer may book a video chat appointment, or a further face-to-face interview for you, in or near your local Services Australia Service Centre.
Hank Jongen is general manager, Services Australia.
Have you used the Financial Information Service? Did you find it useful? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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