Debt Advice

If you are in debt, try not to panic.

Collect information about your debts, such as the:

• Name and address of the person/organization you owe money to.
• Amount you owe.
• Account or reference numbers they have used.

Priority debts are more important to pay first than others. 

These debts could be:

Rent arrears

• You could lose your home.

Fuel arrears

• Your supply could be cut off.

TV licence

• It's a criminal offense to use a TV without one.

Council tax arrears

• Can result in large fines.

Court fines

• Can result in large fines.

Child maintenance payments

• Can result in large fines.

Mortgage arrears

• If you live in a home you have mortgaged.

If these debts are not paid, bailiffs might be sent to your address.

---

Non-priority debts can be:

• Consumer debts like credit card loans
• Hire purchase
• Overdrafts
• Overpayment of benefits
• Student loans
• Money borrowed from family/friends

Creditors can take you to court for non-priority debts but cannot send bailiffs to your address.

---

Repayment offers

• If you are able to, you can make repayment offers to the people owe money to.
• You can sometimes set up affordable payment plans.

Citizens Advice

• Service: Free, independent, impartial, and confidential advice on debt and more.
• Phone: 0800 144 8848 (England) or 0800 702 2020 (Wales)
  • Open Monday to Friday
  • 9.00am to 5.00pm
  • Closed bank holidays

Money Helper

• Service: Free and impartial money advice, guides, and tools to help manage your finances. 
• Phone: 0800 138 7777
  • Open Monday to Friday: 8.00am to 8.00pm
  • Saturday: 9.00am to 1.00pm

National Debtline

• Service: Free and confidential advice on debt.
• Phone: 0808 808 4000
  • Open Monday to Friday: 9.00am to 8.00pm
  • Saturday: 9.30am to 1.00pm

StepChange Debt Charity:

• Service: Free and confidential advice on debt. Their website has a tool for calculating your debt remedy.
• Website: https://www.stepchange.org/
• Phone: 0800 138 1111
  • Open Monday to Friday: 8.00am to 8.00pm
  • Saturday: 8.00am to 4.00pm