If you’re battling with debt, these national organization offer free, impartial aid and guidance
Do you need debt advice?
Debt advice is for persons struggling with problem debt. Even if you have substantial debts, obtaining guidance might not be necessary if you feel these debts fairly manageable.
However, if you are continuously suffering with bills and not meeting repayments, a debt adviser could be precisely what you need to get your finances back on track. Luckily, there are many of agencies out there that can help.
How can a debt adviser help you?
A professional debt counsellor will look at your financial position and recommend the best debt solutions to fit you.
They can advise you on which debts to prioritise paying, inform you what your rights are, and help you negotiate with creditors to arrange alternative repayment plans.
If you have substantial debts, they may lead you towards a debt solution such as an individual voluntary arrangement or debt relief order.
A debt adviser can also help you get the government’s Breathing Space, which debuted in 2021. This allows consumers in England and Wales who are struggling with issue debt a 60-day grace period during which interests and penalties on their loans will be frozen.
Free debt advice organisations
You do not have to pay to seek debt advice. Below is a list of agencies that will help you for free, offering independent debt advice and solutions over the phone and online.
Remember: if a debt-advice institution is unable to provide you a free debt solution that suits your unique circumstances, ask for a reference to a free alternative.
Advice organisations
Advice for Citizens
Assists those who are struggling with consumer and debt concerns.
You also have the option of using the chat feature to speak with a debt counsellor while you are online.
Tel: 0800 240 4420
Monday through Friday, stores are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except public holidays)
Citizens Advice Northern Ireland and Citizens Advice Scotland both provide the same service to their respective communities.
Citizens Advice
National Debtline
People who are struggling with debt can receive guidance and assistance from this organisation. You have the option of speaking with a consultant either over the phone or online. Before making the contact, you should probably finish its internet budget first.
Tel: 0808 808 4000
Monday through Friday, doors open at 9 a.m. and remain open until 8 p.m. Saturday hours are 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Step Change
StepChange Debt Charity
Offers financial guidance and a selection of debt remedies. It has an online debt advice tool you can utilize to seek guidance. If you’d like to chat over the phone, it says the average call takes 40 minutes to finish.
Tel: 0800 138 1111
Opening times: 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday; 8am to 4pm, Saturday
Debt Northern
Action on Debt Northern Ireland
Advice on debt is made available in each council area across the entirety of Northern Ireland. In addition to that, it provides a live chat service that can be used from Monday through Friday, between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm.
Tel: 0800 917 4607
The website will provide you with the opening times applicable to your local council region.
Debt Foundation
Advice on Financial Debt Foundation
Provides assistance with financial matters through telephone. You can also choose to complete out its call-back form and someone will call you back at a time that is more convenient for you.
Tel: 0800 043 4050
Monday through Friday, stores are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Debt Support Trust
Debt Support Trust
Advises people on potential debt solutions. You can get advice by taking their debt quiz, which is available online. You can contact someone by sending an email or filling out the enquiry form, and they will get back to you. If you’d rather talk over the phone, the relevant information is provided below.
Tel: 0800 085 0226
Monday through Friday, stores are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pay Plan
PayPlan
provides individuals with debt guidance and potential remedies. Complete the three steps of the company’s online form with your information, and one of their consultants will call you back.
Tel: 0800 280 2816
Hours of operation are as follows: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Financial Counseling
Community Financial Counseling
People who are struggling with debt are offered guidance and support in an actionable form. Check out the website to locate the Community Money Advice service that is closest to you.
Tel: 01743 341929
Hours of operation: The opening times of your neighbourhood centre can be found on their website.
Business debt advice
Business debt advice
Business debtline
A debt guidance service geared toward those who are self-employed or own small businesses. You have the option of chatting with a consultant online or calling them directly.
Tel: 0800 197 6026
Monday through Friday, stores are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Other helpful connections to have
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
A service that allows you to lodge a complaint against a lender or debt collection agency, in addition to other companies operating in the financial sector.
Tel: 0800 023 4567
Monday through Friday, doors open at 8 a.m., and Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Jobcentre Plus
A governmental organisation in the UK that assists people of working age in their search for jobs.
Telephone: For query-specific phone numbers, please consult the website or a telephone directory.
This refers to the Insolvency Service.
A government institution that advises individuals and businesses on how to navigate the bankruptcy and insolvency processes. You can get in touch with us by phoning the number shown below, sending us an email, or using the contact form on our website.
Tel: 0300 678 0015
The store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday.
Helpline provided by the Samaritans.
A charitable organisation with the mission of assisting those who are experiencing mental anguish. You can call them at any time, day or night, or if you’d like, you can write them a letter or send them an email.
Tel: 116 123
24-hour service is available at all times.
Ought I should utilise the services of a debt management company?
People who are having trouble paying their bills can get plenty of free and impartial guidance from a variety of sources.
The majority of National Debtline’s free guidance is provided over the telephone. In addition to that, it offers a free online service known as My Money Steps.
Citizens Advisory and Citizens Advice Scotland both offer face-to-face advice services to their respective communities.
Money Assistance Scotland is an umbrella organisation that represents various debt advice companies located throughout Scotland.
StepChange provides debt advice that is both free and confidential over the phone and on their website.
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) may be able to assist you in the event that a debt management firm does not respond appropriately to your complaint against it.
