If money is a worry right now
Go to these free, independent services first, and do not pay anyone for debt help.
Get help today if
- You are missing payments, or juggling which bill to pay
- You are using credit to cover food, rent or energy
- Letters or calls from creditors are going unanswered
- You are behind on rent, mortgage, council tax or energy
- Bailiffs, eviction or disconnection have been mentioned
- Money worry is affecting your sleep or your health
Who to contact
MoneyHelper
Free guidance backed by government, on bills, benefits, debt, pensions and housing costs. Can point you to a free local debt adviser.
0800 011 3797
moneyhelper.org.uk
StepChange
The UK's largest debt charity. Full debt advice, from a budget rework to a debt management plan, and they deal with your creditors.
0800 138 1111
stepchange.org
National Debtline
Free debt advice by phone and webchat from the Money Advice Trust, with sample letters and budgeting tools.
0808 808 4000
nationaldebtline.org
Pay these first
- Rent or mortgage arrears
- Council tax
- Gas and electricity
- Court fines and child maintenance
- Income tax or VAT owed to HMRC
If it is urgent today
Eviction or repossession
Shelter emergency helpline: 0808 800 4444
Bailiffs
You usually do not have to let them in. Check your rights with National Debtline before opening the door.
Citizens Advice
Debt helpline: 0800 240 4420
Breathing Space
In England and Wales, a Breathing Space gives you 60 days in which interest and charges on qualifying debts are frozen and creditors must stop chasing. An FCA-authorised debt adviser starts it for you; StepChange and National Debtline can. Scotland has a six-month moratorium through Money Advice Scotland or Citizens Advice Scotland. In Northern Ireland, Advice NI's debt line is 0800 915 4604.
Coaching can help once the pressure is off. The free Financial Freedom Score is a good first step then.