A staggering 2.4 million Australians are grappling with the stress and uncertainty of managing their telco bills, highlighting a widespread crisis.

Research shows one in five (21%) Aussies went without other essentials such as food or medicine to pay a bill. With the majority (88%) citing the rising cost of living as the primary factor behind their struggles to pay bills

To support Aussies in vulnerable circumstances, including those facing homelessness, or domestic violence or those in need of financial assistance, Telstra has 30,000 Top Ups available, worth a total of $5.4 million.

They have also increased from $160 to $180, this year, which includes unlimited local calls and SMS for six months, as well as 70GB of data.

Clinton is joined by Teresa Corbin, Chief Customer Advocate at Telstra, to discuss how Australians doing it tough can take advantage of this assistance and help them receive the support they need

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