Archive Website of the UK government

Debt advice available over the phone

National Debtline

National Debtline offers free, confidential and independent help over the phone for people in England, Scotland and Wales. You can call their helpline and also download publications from their website.

• Visit the National Debtline website Opens new window

Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS)

The CCCS has a helpline providing free, independent and impartial advice to people living in the UK who have debt problems.

• Visit the CCCS website Opens new window

• CCCS online debt remedy tool Opens new window

Payplan

Payplan provides free advice to people living in the UK on debt and budgeting, including free debt management plans and IVAs (Individual Voluntary Arrangements) without upfront fees.

• Visit the Payplan website Opens new window

Community Legal Advice (CLA)

If you qualify for legal aid and live in England or Wales, CLA can provide free help or legal advice over the phone for problems with debt, housing, employment, education and welfare benefits and tax credits.

• Visit the CLA website Opens new window

Debt advice available face to face

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

Your local CAB is a good place to find free advice. They provide free information and advice on legal, money and other problems. You can find your local CAB in the phone book or on their website.

• Contact your nearest CAB in England and Wales Opens new window

• Find your local CAB in Scotland Opens new window

• Find your local CAB in Northern Ireland Opens new window

Shelter

Shelter offers free confidential advice on housing, debt, welfare benefits, care and health needs (including disability rights and entitlements). In England, call 0808 800 4444 if you want general advice. In Wales, call 0845 075 5005.

• Shelter advice services directory Opens new window

• Shelter Wales website Opens new window

AdviceUK

AdviceUK is a network of independent advice centres for people living in England, Scotland and Wales. To find your nearest member agency, visit the AdviceUK website or call 020 7407 4070.

• Visit the AdviceUK website Opens new window

Your local authority

Some local authorities offer a free debt counselling service. You can check with your local authority by following the link below. You'll be asked to enter details of where you live and then taken to your local authority website where you can find out more.

• Find out about debt counselling Opens new window

Law Centres

If you're being threatened with legal action, and you're eligible for Legal Aid support, you may wish to seek free and independent advice from your local Law Centre.

• Find your local Law Centre Opens new window

• Scottish Association of Law Centres Opens new window

Advice NI

The Advice NI website gives a list of advice centres for people living in Northern Ireland.

• Advice NI Opens new window