Special Circumstances Policy
The AHTA Board acknowledges that members may be affected by events or special circumstances that are beyond their control and that may place them in a position of hardship, financial or otherwise. Occasionally, members’ individual circumstances may affect their ability to pay their membership fees when due.
We want to ensure that members can maintain their membership during times of hardship so that they can continue to access services, insights, and support and be able to bounce back once things get back on track.
We will consider any application for hardship due to special circumstances.
To apply for special circumstances, please choose the option below that is most appropriate to you:
- Contact the Executive Support Manager (Operations), Sarah Dixon, in confidence. Please email sarah.dixon@ahta.com.au or phone (08) 9778 9070; or
- Contact the President via email president@ahta.com.au or a member of the Board known to you or the Chief Executive Officer ceo@ahta.com.au or mobile 0414 412 306;
- Complete the form below.
Guidelines
Special circumstances may affect a member’s ability to pay membership fees by the due date. Such circumstances may include, for example:
- sudden and unexpected events, such as natural disaster, family illness, COVID-19;
- changes in personal circumstances, such as loss of employment or financial difficulty.
Support options
Options for varying the policy relating to membership fees may include
- 60 days fee-free period (deferral)
- Payment plans - fee instalments: four per annum (3 monthly), two per annum (6 monthly).
If these options are not helpful or satisfactory to you, we invite you to suggest an alternative. The AHTA may require you to provide supporting documentation. Click here to download the Special Circumstances Policy. and the Special Circumstances Application Form
Record keeping
The AHTA will not store a record of the individual details of your application. It will only record that you have applied, whether you have been approved, and the approved arrangement. Once assessed and recorded on your membership record the individual application will be securely destroyed.
Need help?
If you are experiencing significant mental and/ or financial stress, there are people who can help.
Emergency numbers include:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Headspace: 1800 650 890
- National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007
