Where Can I Get Free Debt Advice?

You do not have to pay a commercial company simply to understand your debt options.

Free, confidential debt advice is available online, by telephone and in person.

Where can I start?

MoneyHelper provides a debt-advice locator that can direct you to free services.

Established organisations providing free debt advice include Citizens Advice, StepChange and National Debtline, although availability and the most appropriate service can depend on where you live and the issue involved.

What will a debt adviser ask me?

Expect questions about income, benefits, housing, household spending, debts, assets and any urgent action such as court or enforcement correspondence.

The adviser needs the whole picture because a solution that deals with credit cards but leaves rent unaffordable is not a workable solution.

What should I gather before speaking to them?

Useful information includes recent creditor letters, balances, wage or benefit information, bank statements, housing costs, Council Tax, energy costs and details of essential spending.

Do not postpone getting advice because some paperwork is missing. Tell the adviser what you know.

Will they tell me which debt solution to choose?

A proper debt-advice process should explain the realistic options, consequences and why a particular route may or may not fit your circumstances.

You should understand the difference between informal arrangements and formal insolvency solutions before agreeing to anything.

Be careful with debt-solution advertising

Some firms advertise debt write-offs or low monthly payments without making the disadvantages prominent.

Check who is providing the advice, whether fees are charged, what solution is actually being proposed and whether free alternatives have been considered.

7.55: How Are Debt Management Plans, DROs, IVAs and Bankruptcy Different?

7.56: What Questions Should I Ask Before Agreeing to a Debt Solution?

22.12: How Do I Prepare Before Asking Someone for Help?

Important information

This guide provides general information and is not intended to provide financial, benefits, debt, housing or legal advice. Individual circumstances can be different. Check current information from official sources and seek advice from an appropriately qualified or authorised adviser before making important financial decisions.