Debt – where to get free help and advice :Cross Stitch – Money, tax and benefits
If you have a debt problem, there are many organisations offering free and independent debt advice over the telephone or face to face. They can help you work out the best way to deal with your debts and answer any questions you have.
Many organisations provide debt advice or act for you in negotiations with your creditors (people you owe money to). For example, they can find the best way for you to deal with your debts and set up an arrangement with your creditors.
Not all debt advice is free and some organisations may charge a fee. This fee can be for helping you and/or managing any arrangements they set up with your creditors. You should check if there are any fees and how and when you might have to pay them.
Many organisations offer free and independent advice to help you deal with your debt problems. Some of these organisations are listed below.
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, Saturday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Debt Advice Foundation, a registered UK charity, operates a free telephone helpline for anyone worried about debt.
Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 9.00 pm, Saturday 9.30 am to 1.00 pm
The National Debtline offers free, confidential and independent help over the phone for people in England, Scotland and Wales. You can call their helpline and also download publications from their website.
Fill in some details online for advice on dealing with your debts
My Money Steps is an online debt advice service run by National Debtline, providing free, independent and confidential advice 24 hours a day.
0800 085 0226
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 7.00 pm
Debt Support Trust is a debt advice charity offering telephone or internet-based debt advice.
Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 6.30 pm
If you qualify for legal aid and live in England or Wales, CLA can provide free help or legal advice over the phone. They can help with debt, housing, employment, education, welfare benefits and tax credits.
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 9.00 pm, Saturday 9.00 am to 3.00 pm
Payplan provides free advice to people living in the UK about debt and budgeting, including free debt management plans and IVAs (Individual Voluntary Arrangements) without upfront fees.
Some local authorities offer a free debt counselling service. You can check with your local authority by following the link below. You’ll be asked to enter details of where you live and then taken to your local authority website where you can find out more.