You do not have to pay a commercial company to understand your debt options. Several established UK organisations provide free, confidential help, and specialist services exist for business debts, housing problems, mental health and court action.
Where to start
| Organisation | Best known for | How to access |
|---|---|---|
| MoneyHelper | Government-backed information and debt-adviser locator | Online locator and telephone guidance |
| StepChange Debt Charity | Budgeting, debt advice and suitable solutions | Online and telephone |
| National Debtline | Detailed guides, sample letters and adviser support | Online and telephone |
| Citizens Advice | Debt alongside benefits, housing, employment and consumer issues | Local, online and telephone routes |
| Business Debtline | Self-employed people and small businesses | Online and telephone |
Use the MoneyHelper debt-advice locator to find free, confidential services. Opening hours and contact methods can change, so use the organisation’s official website for current details.
What a debt adviser will ask
- Income, benefits and essential household costs
- Every debt, including balances and arrears
- Priority commitments such as rent, mortgage, council tax and energy
- Assets, savings, vehicles and property
- Court papers, enforcement notices or urgent deadlines
- Your goals and any vulnerability or accessibility needs
Prepare before the call
Gather recent statements, wage or benefit information, household bills, creditor letters and court documents. Do not delay an urgent call merely because the paperwork is incomplete; explain what you have and what is missing.
When to seek urgent help
- You have received a court claim or enforcement notice.
- Eviction, repossession or disconnection is threatened.
- Council tax, rent, mortgage or energy arrears are escalating.
- You are considering borrowing to pay another debt.
- Debt is affecting your safety or mental health.
What “free” should mean
Advice should be clearly explained without pressure to buy a particular product. Ask whether an organisation is a charity, a regulated adviser or a lead-generation service, and how it is funded.
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General UK information only, not personal financial or legal advice. Rules and remedies differ across the UK. Free, confidential debt advice is available through MoneyHelper’s debt-advice locator, StepChange and National Debtline.