Debt advice is for people struggling with problem debt. Even if you have large debts, seeking advice might not be necessary if you find these debts fairly manageable.
However, if you are consistently struggling with debts and not meeting repayments, a debt adviser could be exactly what you need to get your finances back on track. There are plenty of organisations out there that can help.
If you are finding it difficult to keep up with your debts, you're certainly not alone. Data from debt charity StepChange said it has had a ‘startling’ climb in demand for debt advice in January 2023.
A professional debt adviser will look at your financial situation and recommend the best debt solutions to suit your circumstances.
They can advise you on which debts to prioritise paying, tell you what your rights are, and help you negotiate with creditors to arrange alternative repayment plans.
If you have serious debts, they may point you towards a debt solution such as an individual voluntary arrangement or debt relief order.
A debt adviser can also help you access the government's Breathing Space, which launched in 2021. This gives people in England and Wales who are struggling with problem debt a 60-day grace period during which interests and charges on their debts will be frozen.
You do not have to pay to get debt advice. Below is a list of organisations that will help you for free, and can give you independent debt advice and solutions over the phone and online.
Remember: if a debt-advice organisation is unable to offer you a free debt solution that matches your personal circumstances, you can ask for a referral to a free alternative.
Helps people with debt problems and consumer issues. Find your local Citizens Advice centre here. Alternatively, you can use the chat service to speak with a debt adviser online.
Provides advice and resources to people with debt problems. You can speak with an advisor over the phone or online. You may want to complete its online budget form before calling.
Offers debt advice and a range of debt solutions. It has an online debt advice tool you can use to get guidance. If you'd prefer to speak over the phone, it says the average call takes 40 minutes to complete.
Offers debt advice in each council area throughout Northern Ireland. It also has an online chat service that's available Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.
Offers debt advice over the phone. Alternatively, fill in its helpline call-back form and someone will call you back at a time that's convenient for you.
Helps people with debt advice and solutions. Fill in its three-step form online with your details and one of its advisers will call you back.
Gives advice and practical support to people with debt problems. Check the website to find your local Community Money Advice service.
A debt advice service for small business owners and the self-employed. You can webchat with an adviser or speak to one over the phone.
A service you can use to complain about a debt collection agency or lender, as well as other businesses in the financial sector. Check out its page on how to complain
A government agency that helps people of working age find employment in the UK. Click here to find your nearest Jobcentre.
A government agency offering guidance on bankruptcies and company insolvency. You can get in touch via email, using its contact form or by calling the number below.
A charity aimed at helping people in emotional distress. You can call any time, day or night, or write them a letter or email if you'd prefer.
There is plenty of free and independent advice for people struggling with debt.
National Debtline offers mainly telephone-based free advice, and it runs a free online service called My Money Steps.
Face-to-face advice is provided by Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland.
Money Advice Scotland is an umbrella group representing debt advice agencies across Scotland.
StepChange offers free and confidential debt advice online and by phone.
If a debt management company fails to deal with your complaint against it, the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) may be able to help you.
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