Debt is not something you have to tackle on your own. There are a whole host of free and independent services out there that can help you turn your financial troubles around. The right advice can set you on the way to managing your debt and controlling your money once again. In this article we list the best places to get free debt advice, explain what support is available and how to pick the best time to reach out for help.
Where to go for free debt advice
It is important to go to the right place for debt help. You may see adverts for companies offering to reorganise your debt or help you manage your finances, but many of these services will cost money. If you are struggling with debt, the last thing you need is an extra bill.
The organisations that can really make a difference are charities that specialise in free debt advice. Below are some of the first names to reach out to if you are struggling with debt.
| Organisation | Website | Phone number |
| Citizens Advice | Citizens Advice (England and Wales) | 0800 240 4420 (England and Wales)
0800 028 1456 (Scotland) 0800 915 4604 (Northern Ireland) |
| StepChange | StepChange | 0800 138 1111 |
| National Debtline | National Debtline | 0808 808 4000 |
| Debt Advice Foundation | Debt Advice Foundation | 0800 043 40 50 |
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice – and Northern Ireland counterpart Advice NI – offers free advice on a variety of topics, including debt. A specialist local caseworker can talk you through your debt plan and help negotiate with creditors. They can also advise on your rights surrounding repossession and what support is available to help pay your energy bills.
You can obtain advice face-to-face from a Citizens Advice centre, over the phone, through an online chat service or via its expansive website, which includes detailed self-help guides.
Website: Citizens Advice (England and Wales), Citizens Advice Scotland (Scotland), Advice NI (Northern Ireland).
Phone number: 0800 240 4420 (England and Wales), 0800 028 1456 (Scotland), 0800 915 4604 (Northern Ireland)
Email: [email protected] (Northern Ireland)
StepChange
StepChange is a charity that offers free debt advice across the UK. You can talk to an advisor over the phone or use an online tool through the website to create a budget and a personalised debt action plan.
Website: StepChange
Phone number: 0800 138 1111
National Debtline
National Debtline offers free, specialist debt advice over the phone and via webchat. There is a range of self-help material on the website too, including a 24/7 digital advice tool. National Debtline can also send you a free self-help information pack.
If you are self-employed, you may be able to get more specialised help and advice from National Debtline's partner site Business Debtline.
Website: National Debtline
Phone number: 0808 808 4000
Debt Advice Foundation
Debt Advice Foundation has a free helpline and webchat service you can use to speak to an expert advisor. You could also fill out a callback form and an advisor will get in touch at your chosen time.
Website: Debt Advice Foundation
Phone number: 0800 043 40 50
