October 21st 2024.
Telstra, one of Australia's leading telecommunications companies, has announced a new program aimed at helping Australians who are facing financial difficulties. With the cost of living on the rise, Telstra is offering up to 6 months of free pre-paid credit to ease the financial pressure on those in need. This program, called Top Up Assistance, has been expanded this year to include 30,000 phone credits worth a total of $5.4 million.
The value of these top-ups has also increased from $160 to $180, providing even more support for struggling individuals and families. With this six-month pre-paid recharge, recipients will have access to unlimited local calls and SMS, as well as 70GB of data. This will allow them to stay connected with their loved ones and access important information without worrying about running out of credit.
Originally, the Top Up Assistance program was designed to help those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, or natural disasters. However, Telstra's chief customer advocate, Teresa Corbin, has announced that it is now open to all customers who are in need of financial assistance. In her words, "We know that some Aussies are doing it tough right now. Everyone should have the opportunity to stay connected without compromise, and we want to do more to help make it easier."
According to research commissioned by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, around a quarter of Australians have struggled to pay their bills for essential services in the past 12 months. Of those individuals, half have had difficulty paying their telco bills. This highlights the need for programs like Top Up Assistance, but unfortunately, many Australians are still unaware of the financial assistance available to them through major companies.
Last year, Telstra provided 18,115 top-ups to those in need, but shockingly, around $3 million of assistance went unclaimed. The company is hoping to change this by not only offering top-ups through charities, but also directly through Telstra. Some of the organizations taking part in this program include Safe Steps, Anglicare, Salvation Army, Save The Children, and Uniting Care.
In conclusion, Telstra's Top Up Assistance program is a valuable resource for those facing financial difficulties in Australia. By providing free pre-paid credit for six months, Telstra is helping individuals and families stay connected without having to worry about the cost. The program is available to all customers in need, and Telstra is encouraging those who may benefit from it to reach out and take advantage of this support.
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