If you aren’t sure what to do about your debts, or you are sure but need some help to do it, you need to talk to independent, not-for-profit organisations. These are the people featured on this page.
They are the best places to explore the possible debt options, as they won’t make money from directing you down one route rather than another.
Face to face
- The Citizens Advice network covers the whole country, including Scotland and Northern Ireland. Put your postcode into the “Search for my local Citizens Advice” box to find where your nearest office is.
In some areas, you can call or email them first and they will arrange an appointment if it is needed; others have “drop-in” sessions where you can just turn up.
CAB is the best place to go if you have other problems as well as debts – benefits, housing, employment etc. - Your Local Authority may have details of other local services on its website.
- Christians Against Poverty (CAP) will help anyone, regardless of your faith.
Telephone and webchat
If you have a job or children or caring responsibilities, it can be difficult to get to a face-to-face appointment and a telephone advice line may be better. All the following options are charities. They are confidential and you will find the advisers sympathetic and non-judgmental:
- National Debtline 0808 808 4000. They can advise which debt solution is most suitable for you and refer you for DMPs or IVAs and set up a Debt Relief Order. Their website has lots of useful fact sheets and template letters if you want to run your own DMP. They provide clear and simple advice on any queries relating to debt-related court procedures, including CCJs.
Their web chat facility is very good, staffed by proper debt advisers and can go into a lot of detail, it’s not just for a quick question. It can be quicker to get through on this than their telephone line sometimes!
- StepChange 0800 138 1111. They are best known for operating Debt Management Plans with no monthly fees. They can also set up IVAs where they have a lower failure rate than the industry average
- Citizens Advice Has a webchat facility from the debt pages of their website – click on the Talk To Us Online button.
- Debt Free Advice offers some face to face advice in London. Contact them by phone, video links, webchat or WhatsApp
Problems with rent or mortgage arrears, council tax arrears or bailiffs
Unless these “priority debts” are either minor or clearly under control because you have already agreed on monthly repayments you can afford, get advice as soon as possible.
The National Debtline helpline (see above) will give you the information you need on how to deal with these debts.
If you would like an adviser to be able to write letters and make phone calls on your behalf, your local Citizens Advice can help.
Business debts (including tax debts)
National Debtline has a sister site: Business Debtline. They provide telephone, webchat and email advice to self-employed, sole traders and people with small limited companies.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell if you have a personal debt problem or a business debt – they can help you sort this out.
The Tax Aid website has a lot of useful information. Don’t ignore tax debts, even if you don’t understand them, don’t think they are right or can’t afford to pay them. If you need a Time to Pay arrangement, this is best sorted out as soon as possible.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
Money Advice Scotland can help you find a face to face adviser.
For phone advice, contact National Debtline which has a separate Scottish site and their standard helpline number, see above, applies.
For Northern Ireland, contact your local Citizens Advice or phone the NI Debt Helpline: 0800 028 1881.
Complex problems, not just debt
If you have benefits issues, rent or mortgage arrears or any other complications, then your local Citizens Advice Bureau (see above) is probably the best place. They may also be able to give you a food bank or a fuel bank voucher.
Online information and discussion about debts
On-line debt help can let you investigate your situation and make the right decision:
- For general financial advice, the Money Helper website is a good starting point
- National Debtline’s Money Steps is good – this constructs a budget and looks at possible debt options. you could use this and then phone them to talk about what it says
- check if you are entitled to any benefits that you are not getting – millions of people are!
- The CABmoney website will let you explore your options and help you run your own DMP if you want.
You might find some of the online debt discussion boards useful. But you can’t believe everything you read on the internet – and even if a poster is well-meaning, they may not have fully understood your situation, so their ‘advice’ may not be appropriate for you.
- MoneySavingExpert forums. Here you can ask questions on an anonymous basis. They can be great sources of inspiration and tips – support not just to take the right decision at the start, but also along the months and years it takes to clear your debts.
- the Legal Beagles forums.
Consumer issues
The problems here relate to what you are being charged for something – non delivery, faulty goods, incorrect bills etc – rather than you being unable to afford to pay, that is a debt problem.
The Citizens Advice consumer service can help with things like broken or faulty goods, or if you feel bills such as mobiles or energy are incorrect.
Helen Dewdney’s blog The Complaining Cow has information that can help with getting refunds and redress for consumer issues. She is the author of How to Complain: The Essential Consumer Guide
Unable to cope?
Depression or other mental health problems can make it even harder to manage financial difficulties. Try to get to your local Citizens Advice Bureau to see if they can help you put your debts on hold in a breathing space for a while until you are better able to cope.
If you are desperate, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 – any time of the day or night.