Priority debt
A priority debt is a debt where the consequences of not paying are most serious, such as losing your home, having your energy cut off or going to prison.
Also known as: priority debts
Priority debts include rent and mortgage arrears, council tax, gas and electricity, court fines, child maintenance, income tax and TV licence. The label does not mean the debt is the largest. It means the creditor has strong powers, such as repossession, bailiffs or deducting money from your wages or benefits.
When you cannot pay everything, a debt adviser will usually suggest making sure priority debts are covered first, before credit cards, loans and overdrafts. Paying priority debts first protects your home and essential services while you sort out the rest.
Related terms
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7 min readReadThis page provides general information only. It is not personalised financial, legal or tax advice, and rules and figures can change. Your situation is unique — please check official sources such as GOV.UK and MoneyHelper, and speak to a qualified, FCA-authorised adviser before making important decisions about your money.