Mortgage advice – who to see and what to take :Cross Stitch – Home and community
If you are worried about making your mortgage repayments or losing your home, an independent adviser can help. Find out how to contact an adviser, what they can do and what to take with you.
An adviser at a free and independent advice agency can help you:
- put together a plan for managing your debt
- create a budget
- prepare to speak to your lender about making a new repayment arrangement
- understand any letters you receive from your lender
- find legal advice or representation, if you have a court date
The adviser will also help you explore all the options available to keep your home, including:
- government-backed schemes, like the Mortgage Rescue scheme
- benefits or financial support you may be eligible for, like Support for Mortgage Interest
Ask your adviser about the Mortgage Rescue scheme. It can help if you have tried everything but still can’t pay your mortgage and your lender is taking action to repossess your home.
The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has a helpline providing free and impartial advice. Phone 0800 138 1111 or visit their website for more information.
Your local council will be able to help if you are facing repossession or homelessness. They can give you money advice and help you find alternative accommodation, if needed.
Contact Community Legal Advice for confidential and independent legal advice and help finding a solicitor. See the link below for their contact details.
The following is a list of the sort of documents you should take when you see an adviser:
- any court papers
- wage/pay slips
- benefit/pension award letter or book
- full details of your mortgage, including the account number and type and your lender’s name and address
- rent book/card, including details of ground rent and service charges, if you pay them
- bills, like Council Tax, water, fuel (eg gas and electricity), telephone (landline and mobile), satellite TV and for anything you rent, like appliances
- bank statements, including details of any loans or overdrafts
- credit card details and any letters from the credit card company
- details of any hire purchase loans and correspondence
- HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and National Insurance bills
- details of other expenses and housekeeping costs, like travel costs and schools meals
If you speak to an adviser over the phone, have the documents on hand. If you don’t have some of the documents, or they don’t apply to you, find out what else you could bring before your appointment.