Debt Advice

If you need debt advice, try not to panic. Collect information about your debts. If you have letters, gather this information:

• Name and address of the person/organization you owe money to
• The amount you owe
• Account or reference numbers they have used

Some debts are more important to pay first. These are called 'Priority Debts'.

Priority debts:

• Rent arrears: You could lose your home.
• Fuel arrears: Your supply could be cut off.
• TV licence: It's a criminal offense to use a TV without one.
• Council tax arrears: Can result in large fines.
• Court fines: Can result in large fines.
• Child maintenance payments: Can result in large fines.
• Mortgage arrears: If you live in a home you have mortgaged.

If these debts are not paid, bailiffs might be sent to your address.

Non-priority debts:

• Consumer debts like credit card loans
• Hire purchase
• Overdrafts
• Overpayment of benefits
• Student loans
• Money borrowed from family/friends

Creditors can take you to court for non-priority debts but cannot send bailiffs to your address.

Repayment offers

If you are able to, you can make repayment offers to the people or organizations you owe money to yourself.

Citizens Advice:

• Service: Free, independent, impartial, and confidential advice on debt and more.
• Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/help-with-debt/
• Phone: 0800 144 8848 (England) or 0800 702 2020 (Wales)
  • Open Monday to Friday
  • 9.00am to 5.00pm
  • Closed bank holidays

Money Helper:

• Service: Free and impartial money advice, guides, and tools to help manage your finances. Support is available in person, over the phone, and online.
• Website: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
• Phone: 0800 138 7777
  • Open Monday to Friday: 8.00am to 8.00pm
  • Saturday: 9.00am to 1.00pm

National Debtline:

• Service: Free and confidential advice on debt.
• Website: https://nationaldebtline.org/
• Phone: 0808 808 4000
  • Open Monday to Friday: 9.00am to 8.00pm
  • Saturday: 9.30am to 1.00pm

StepChange Debt Charity:

• Service: Free and confidential advice on debt. Their website has a tool for calculating your debt remedy.
• Website: https://www.stepchange.org/
• Phone: 0800 138 1111
  • Open Monday to Friday: 8.00am to 8.00pm
  • Saturday: 8.00am to 4.00pm