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Free debt advice services in the UK
The services below are free, confidential and independent of creditors. Debt advice organisations are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and can talk to your creditors, set up a Debt Management Plan, help you apply for a Debt Relief Order or Breathing Space, and refer you to an insolvency practitioner if an IVA or bankruptcy might be right. We have no connection with any of them.
| Service | Best for | How to contact | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| StepChange | Full debt advice online or by phone; free DMPs | Online advice tool; phone 0800 138 1111 | UK-wide |
| National Debtline | Phone or webchat advice; sample letters to creditors | Phone 0808 808 4000; webchat; online tools | England, Wales, Scotland |
| Citizens Advice | Face-to-face help; benefits, housing and debt together | Local offices; Adviceline 0800 144 8848 (England), 0800 702 2020 (Wales) | England, Wales (see Citizens Advice Scotland and Advice NI) |
| MoneyHelper debt advice locator | Finding free advice near you, online or by phone | Online locator; phone 0800 138 7777 | UK-wide |
| Business Debtline | Self-employed people and small businesses | Phone 0800 197 6026; webchat | England, Wales, Scotland |
| Christians Against Poverty (CAP) | Home visits and ongoing support, for people of any faith or none | Online or phone to arrange a visit | UK-wide (where there is a local centre) |
| PayPlan | Free DMPs and debt advice online or by phone | Online or phone | UK-wide |
| Shelter | Eviction, rent arrears, repossession and homelessness | Helpline 0808 800 4444 (England); online advice | England (see Shelter Cymru, Shelter Scotland, Housing Rights NI) |
| Mental Health & Money Advice | Understanding how money and mental health affect each other | Online guides and tools | UK-wide |
| Samaritans | Talking to someone when things feel too much | Phone 116 123, 24 hours a day | UK-wide |
Living in Scotland or Northern Ireland? Our guides focus on England and Wales. Scotland has different solutions — the Debt Arrangement Scheme, Protected Trust Deeds, sequestration and the Minimal Asset Process — and Northern Ireland has its own rules for DROs and bankruptcy. The services above that cover your nation can explain them.
Beware of fee-charging firms and debt adverts
You never have to pay for debt advice. Some firms charge set-up and monthly fees for the same Debt Management Plans that charities run for free, and every pound in fees is a pound that doesn’t go to your creditors.
- There is no special “government debt write-off scheme”. Social media adverts that say there is are often run by lead generators, who sell your details to firms that earn fees from IVAs.
- Be wary of online “free debt surveys” and eligibility checkers that ask for your phone number before telling you anything. They are usually a way to collect leads, not independent advice.
- Check the FCA register. Any firm offering debt advice or a DMP must be authorised by the FCA — search the FCA Financial Services Register. Fee-charging firms must tell you that free advice is available.
- Don’t feel rushed. An IVA is a legally binding commitment that usually lasts 5–6 years. If someone pressures you to sign quickly, stop and talk to a free service first.
If you’re already in a plan with a fee-charging company, you can usually move to a free provider. Read about how DMPs work and compare an IVA and a DMP before you decide.
What happens when you contact a debt adviser?
A free debt adviser will look at your whole situation, work out a realistic budget and explain every option that fits — then help you put the one you choose in place. It’s confidential, non-judgemental and contacting them does not affect your credit file.
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Gather your paperwork
Have recent bank statements, payslips or benefit letters, household bills and the latest letters or statements from each creditor to hand. Don’t worry if something is missing.
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Work out your budget
The adviser goes through your income and spending using the Standard Financial Statement, the budget format most creditors accept.
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Deal with priority debts first
Rent or mortgage, council tax, energy, court fines and tax come first because the consequences of not paying are most serious.
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Choose an option
You’ll hear the pros and cons of each solution, such as a DMP, DRO, IVA or bankruptcy, or simply asking creditors to freeze interest. The decision is yours.
Frequently asked questions
Is debt advice really free?
Yes. StepChange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice, Christians Against Poverty and the services on the MoneyHelper debt advice locator don’t charge you anything, including for setting up and running a Debt Management Plan. They are funded by grants, donations and contributions from the financial industry.
Will getting debt advice affect my credit score?
No. Talking to a debt adviser is confidential and isn’t recorded on your credit file. Your credit file may be affected later if you choose a solution such as a DMP, DRO, IVA or bankruptcy, and the adviser will explain how before you decide.
What is the difference between a debt charity and a debt management company?
Debt charities give free advice and run Debt Management Plans without fees. Debt management companies are businesses that charge fees or earn money from the solutions they arrange. Both must be authorised by the FCA, but with a free service more of your money goes to your creditors.
Should I trust a free DMP survey or debt checker I found online?
Be cautious. Many online surveys and “see if you qualify” checkers are run by lead generators that pass your details to fee-charging firms. If you want a free DMP, go directly to a charity such as StepChange or PayPlan, or find a service through the MoneyHelper debt advice locator.
Can a debt adviser stop creditors contacting me?
A debt adviser can ask creditors to hold action while you sort things out, and in England and Wales they can apply for Breathing Space, which legally pauses most enforcement action, interest and charges for up to 60 days. Creditors must still be able to contact you about some things, but should go through your adviser where possible.