Free Debt Advice in the UK: Where to Get Help

What free debt advice means

Free debt advice is advice from an organisation that does not charge you for helping, does not sell you a product and has no interest in which solution you choose. Advisers are trained to look at your income, spending and debts, and to explain every option that fits, from negotiating with creditorsHow to Deal with Creditors: Communication and NegotiationPractical advice on communicating with creditors, negotiating affordable repayments, and understanding your rights when dealing with the companies you owe.Read more → to formal solutions such as a debt management planDebt Management Plan (DMP)A Debt Management Plan is an informal arrangement to repay unsecured debts at a monthly rate you can afford. Learn how DMPs work, who they suit and what to consider.Read more →, an IVAIndividual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)An IVA is a legally binding agreement to repay a portion of your debts over a fixed period. Understand how IVAs work, eligibility, costs and consequences.Read more →, a Debt Relief OrderDebt Relief Order (DRO)A Debt Relief Order is a formal solution for people with low income, low debt and few assets. Learn how DROs work, eligibility criteria and what happens to your debts.Read more → or bankruptcyBankruptcyBankruptcy is a legal process that writes off most debts when you cannot repay them. Understand how bankruptcy works in the UK, the consequences and alternatives.Read more →. They can often deal with creditors on your behalf, and some can arrange Breathing SpaceBreathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme)Breathing Space is a government scheme giving you legal protection from creditor action for up to 60 days while you get debt advice. Learn how it works and who qualifies.Read more →, a legal pause on enforcement.

The main free services

Phone numbers and opening hours change, so check each organisation's website for current contact details. Our separate guides cover Citizens Advice, National Debtline, StepChange and business debt help.

Scotland and Northern Ireland

Debt law differs across the UK, and so do the services. Scotland has its own solutions, such as protected trust deedsDebt Help in Scotland and Northern IrelandHow debt solutions and advice differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, including trust deeds, the Debt Arrangement Scheme, DROs and where to get free help.Read more →, and its own advice networks. Northern Ireland has different rules and agencies too. The national charities above cover all four nations, and they will route you to the right rules for where you live. See our guide to debt help in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

What happens when you contact an adviser

Most services follow a similar pattern.

1. Initial conversation: The adviser asks about your debts, income, spending and housing.
2. Budget: They complete a budget with you, to see what you can afford.
3. Options: They explain the solutions that fit, including pros and cons.
4. Action: They may help with a letter to creditors, a payment plan, a Breathing Space application or a formal solution.
5. Follow-up: Many services review your plan or support you if circumstances change.

What to have ready

You will get more from the first conversation if you gather some information. Do not delay calling because you do not have everything, but try to have:

• A list of your debts, with the creditor, balance and monthly payment
• Your income, including benefits, and your essential spending
• Recent bank statements
• Any letters from creditors, bailiffs or courts
• Details of your housing: rent, mortgage and council tax

Why free advice comes first

Some firms advertise "debt help" but are really selling a product, such as an IVA or a paid debt management plan. They may earn more from some options than others. A free adviser does not have that conflict. Starting with a charity means you see every option and can then decide whether any paid service is worth it. Read about debt management company fees if you are unsure.

If you need help right now

If bailiffs are at the door, you have a court date or you cannot pay for essentials, contact a free adviser immediately and read our guide to urgent debt help. If you are struggling emotionally, tell your adviser. Many services can take account of mental health, and Breathing Space can give you time.

A worked example

James is behind on his credit cards and has just received a final demand. He uses an online tool from a debt charity one evening, which produces a budget and a list of options. The next day he speaks to an adviser by phone, who explains that he qualifies for a free debt management plan and offers to arrange it. The adviser writes to his creditors, and he starts making a single payment each month. He did not pay a penny, and the letters stopped within a few weeks. Not every case is that simple, but it shows what the first step can achieve.

Common worries about calling

Many people worry about being judged, being pushed into something or having their details shared. Advisers hear stories like yours every day and are trained to be non-judgmental. They explain options but you decide. Your information is kept confidential, and they only contact your creditors with your agreement. Making the call is often harder than the call itself.