Where to go to get help with debt
Being in debt can be overwhelming, but there are ways you can get help. Use our list of debt advice organisations to find the best solution for you
Increased use of credit cards and overdrafts means managing debt on a day-to-day basis is becoming increasingly common. But a change in circumstances, such as losing your job or illness, means that what was once a manageable debt can spiral out of control. If left unchecked, this can have a huge impact on your emotional and financial, wellbeing.
However, there’s help out there and if you’re worried about your debts or falling behind with any credit arrangements you have, there are a number of free and independent debt advice companies who can help. Any contact you have with these organisations will be treated as confidential, and they can offer advice on how to deal with your creditors.
StepChange is a government-backed charity that has helped 620,000 people a year to deal with problem debt. You can call their helpline on 0800 138 1111 or use their online Debt Remedy tool. Once they have more information they’ll work with you to put together a plan to deal with your debt.
You can find more information on the website.
Citizens Advice has a lot of practical information on their website on how to manage debt, as well as information on your rights in terms of how you’re treated by creditors. You can contact them via their webchat, or by giving them a call on 03444 111 444 if you live in England and 03444 77 20 20 if you live in Wales. You can also speak to someone face-to-face from over 3,500 locations across the UK.
Look at the website for more details.
National Debtline is a free and confidential service run by The Money Advice Trust across England, Wales and Scotland. It provides an online debt tool, as well as guidance provided via webchat, email and phone.
To speak to someone call 0808 808 4000 and for more information on other services visit the website.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) offer vital support to families struggling with debt through their debt centre network and helpline. They also offer job clubs to help people return to work, and life skills sessions to help people manage their money.
Visit the website for more information.
Money Advice Scotland will help you find free and confidential advice on dealing with debt problems.
You can call them on 0800 731 4722 or go to the website.
Advice NI offers services to help people manage their money and debt issues in Northern Ireland. They offer a wide range of online leaflets, as well as information on where to go to get face-to-face support. They’re also the leading provider of debt and money advice training in Northern Ireland.
Visit their website to find out more.
Payplan helps over 100,000 people a year deal with their debts. They offer free advice on a full range of debt management solutions, including free debt management plans. They also offer the Payplan Plus service, which is a secure online account management system that lets users track their payments.
For more information go to the website.
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