How hardship arrangements, Part IX debt agreements, Part X personal insolvency agreements and bankruptcy work in Australia, with the AFSA thresholds that apply in 2026.
Australia has a ladder of debt options. At the bottom are free, informal steps: asking each lender for a hardship variation under the National Credit Code, or agreeing a payment plan with the help of a free financial counsellor. Above those sit three formal options under the Bankruptcy Act 1966, all administered and recorded by the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA): a debt agreement (Part IX), a personal insolvency agreement (Part X) and bankruptcy itself.
Start with the overview of debt help options in Australia. Then read the detail: debt agreement eligibility and thresholds for 2026, personal insolvency agreements, how bankruptcy works, income contributions in bankruptcy, which assets you keep and the status of bankruptcy reform proposals.
AFSA indexes the dollar thresholds on 20 March and 20 September each year. Figures on this site are those published for the period from 20 September 2026; check AFSA before relying on them, and talk to a free financial counsellor before choosing a formal option.
Debt Options, Thresholds and 2026 Rules
How personal bankruptcy works in Australia in 2026, from applying through AFSA to discharge after 3 years and 1 day, debts released and not released, travel, credit and jobs.
Debt Options, Thresholds and 2026 Rules
How compulsory income contributions work in Australian bankruptcy, AFSA's income thresholds by dependants from 20 September 2026, what counts as income and how to vary an assessment.
Debt Options, Thresholds and 2026 Rules
The status of Australian personal insolvency reforms as at October 2026, including the lapsed one-year bankruptcy bill, the 2019 debt agreement changes and current proposals.
Debt Options, Thresholds and 2026 Rules
Who can propose a debt agreement under Part IX of the Bankruptcy Act in 2026, AFSA's indexed limits from 20 September 2026, the 3-year term rule and what happens next.
Debt Options, Thresholds and 2026 Rules
The full ladder of debt options in Australia in 2026, from free hardship requests and financial counselling to Part IX debt agreements, Part X agreements and bankruptcy.
Debt Options, Thresholds and 2026 Rules
How a Part X personal insolvency agreement works in Australia, the controlling trustee, the creditors' special resolution, costs, credit report effects and when it beats bankruptcy.
Debt Options, Thresholds and 2026 Rules
Which assets are protected when you go bankrupt in Australia in 2026, the indexed limits for vehicles and tools of trade, what happens to your home and super, and traps to avoid.
