Money troubles are driving up to 1400 calls, texts and webchats a day for help amid warnings that suicide risks may be growing as well, Lifeline says.
The national crisis support charity says that on average they receive 3000 phone calls a day for different reasons; since January 2025, figures show 15-18% of calls (about 500 per day) were related to money problems and that the number of men asking for help rose from 9.8% in early 2025 to 11.6% in February 2026.
Lifeline also says growing research shows that suicide risks are linked to financial hardship even as it says these numbers are likely under-reported.
Lifeline Australia’s chief research officer, Dr Anna Brooks, said the latest ABS Suicide data (click here to link to the data) supports growing evidence that shows suicide rates increase due to financial hardship.
“In 2024, the rate for the most socioeconomically disadvantaged people was over two-and-a-half times the rate for those in the most advantaged group,” she says.
“There’s also a positive correlation between financial distress and suicide risk for males and females. This is consistent with existing evidence that financial distress significantly impacts upon risk of suicide.”
MONEY-RELATED PROBLEMS
Lifeline Australia chairman Professor Steve Moylan says the persistent demand reflects how tough life has become for many Australians.
“Whether it’s events overseas, cost-of-living, homelessness, violence against women or other factors, what we are seeing is that the volume of people experiencing distress and requiring support remains elevated,” he says.
“What’s even more striking is that these figures represent a conservative estimate as they do not take into account the 900 help seekers contacting Lifeline via text and webchat services each day or via other services.”
Lifeline’s online Support Toolkit service, which empowers help seekers to access support on their own terms, is also in high demand, it says.
Support for money stress remains the second most-searched risk factor on Lifeline’s website after substance misuse.
As well as telephone and digital support, Lifeline operates 43 centres nationally: some offer face-to-face crisis support and financial counselling.
“Across our services, we are seeing people present with a more complex array of challenges,” he says.
“Some centres have even expanded support to include emergency relief efforts such as setting up food banks and even providing support to help buy essential medications.”
Lifeline says if you or someone you know are feeling overwhelmed, they can reach out to Lifeline in a way they are most comfortable with.
REACHING OUT
You can phone Lifeline to speak to a crisis supporter on 13 11 14, text them at 0477 131 114, or chat to Lifeline online (all services are available 24/7).
If you’re struggling to know where to turn, Lifeline’s Support Toolkit can help you find the right support at the right time.
For Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, you can also contact 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 days) and talk to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter.
Lifeline expects to respond to over 1.5 million calls for help in 2026 requiring an average of 120 safety plans a day to keep safe a person at risk of suicide.
Visit lifeline.org.au/donate to support Lifeline.
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