Help if you're in debt

Take control

It’s never too late to sort out your debts and you can get support. The National Debtline (0808 808 4000) and Stepchange (0800 138 1111) are both charities that can give you free, confidential, impartial debt advice. 

They can help you to:

• work out your budget
• deal with your most urgent debts
• deal with your non-priority debts.

Your local Citizens Advice can also advise you if you’re in debt and they have a useful budgeting tool on their website to help you work out your spending and where you might be able to save money.

Get a benefits check

You should make sure you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to. You can use our Benefits calculator to work out what you can claim or if you’d prefer to speak with someone, you can call our free Helpline and arrange to speak to an adviser.

If you have an unexpected cost due to an emergency or crisis you might be entitled to help from your local council’s welfare assistance scheme or, for certain other costs, an interest-free Budgeting Loan from the Department for Work and Pensions. There are also some charities that offer grants.

Don’t be tempted to get a payday loan or use credit cards to pay off your debts. These are short-term solutions and can make the problem worse.

Some companies may offer to help you sort out your debts for a fee but that money would be better spent on paying off your debts. Use the free independent services instead.

Get support

Money worries can make you feel stressed and anxious, which in time may affect your mental health. The charity Mind has some useful advice to help you cope, as well as details of other organisations that can help.