Wellington, Sept 9 NZPA - Cash-strapped Canterbury earthquake victims may be able to get help managing their bills, says the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

The ministry is advising people to seek help from their lenders if they were finding it difficult to keep up with debt repayments.

It says under the hardship provisions of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act people can apply to their lenders to reduce or postpone credit payments, or extend the term of their mortgage.

However, it warns such measures should only be short-term and could increase people's overall debt.

People can apply to the Disputes Tribunal for an order to vary the contract if a lender refuses to comply.