Free debt advice contacts
Do you need debt advice?
Debt advice is for people struggling with problem debt. Even if you have large debts, seeking advice might not be necessary if you find these debts fairly manageable.
However, if you are consistently struggling with debts and not meeting repayments, a debt adviser could be exactly what you need to get your finances back on track. There are plenty of organisations out there that can help.
If you are finding it difficult to keep up with your debts, you're certainly not alone. Data from debt charity StepChange said it has had a ‘startling’ climb in demand for debt advice in January 2023.
How can a debt adviser help you?
A professional debt adviser will look at your financial situation and recommend the best debt solutions to suit your circumstances.
They can advise you on which debts to prioritise paying, tell you what your rights are, and help you negotiate with creditors to arrange alternative repayment plans.
If you have serious debts, they may point you towards a debt solution such as an individual voluntary arrangement or debt relief order.
A debt adviser can also help you access the government's Breathing Space, which launched in 2021. This gives people in England and Wales who are struggling with problem debt a 60-day grace period during which interests and charges on their debts will be frozen.
- Find out more: check out our guide on how to pay off your debts
Free debt advice organisations
You do not have to pay to get debt advice. Below is a list of organisations that will help you for free, and can give you independent debt advice and solutions over the phone and online.
Remember: if a debt-advice organisation is unable to offer you a free debt solution that matches your personal circumstances, you can ask for a referral to a free alternative.
Helps people with debt problems and consumer issues. Find your local Citizens Advice centre here. Alternatively, you can use the chat service to speak with a debt adviser online.
- Tel: 0800 144 8848 (England) 0800 702 2020 (Wales) 0800 144 8844. Use the Relay UK service if you can't hear or speak on the phone, to type what you want to say
- Opening times: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays)
- Citizens Advice Scotland and Citizens Advice Northern Ireland offer the same service
Provides advice and resources to people with debt problems. You can speak with an advisor over the phone or online. You may want to complete its online budget form before calling.
- Tel: 0808 808 4000
- Opening times: 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday; 9:30am to 1pm, Saturday
Offers debt advice and a range of debt solutions. It has an online debt advice tool you can use to get guidance. If you'd prefer to speak over the phone, it says the average call takes 40 minutes to complete.
- Tel: 0800 138 1111
- Opening times: 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday; 8am to 4pm, Saturday
Offers debt advice in each council area throughout Northern Ireland. It also has an online chat service that's available Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm.
- Tel: 0800 915 4604
- Opening times: See the website for opening times in your council area.
Offers debt advice over the phone. Alternatively, fill in its helpline call-back form and someone will call you back at a time that's convenient for you.
- Tel: 0800 043 4050
- Opening times: 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
Helps people with debt advice and solutions. Fill in its three-step form online with your details and one of its advisers will call you back.
- Tel: 0800 280 2816
- Opening times: 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday; 9am to 3pm, Saturday
Gives advice and practical support to people with debt problems. Check the website to find your local Community Money Advice service.
- Tel: 01743 341929
- Opening times: Check online for the opening times of your local centre.
Business debt advice
A debt advice service for small business owners and the self-employed. You can webchat with an adviser or speak to one over the phone.
- Tel: 0800 197 6026
- Opening times: 9am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday
Other useful contacts
A service you can use to complain about a debt collection agency or lender, as well as other businesses in the financial sector. Check out its page on how to complain
- Tel: 0800 023 4567
- Opening times: 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday; 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
A government agency that helps people of working age find employment in the UK. Click here to find your nearest Jobcentre.
- Tel: See website or telephone directory for query-specific telephone numbers
A government agency offering guidance on bankruptcies and company insolvency. You can get in touch via email, using its contact form or by calling the number below.
- Tel: 0300 678 0015
- Opening times: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday; 9am to 3pm, Friday
A charity aimed at helping people in emotional distress. You can call any time, day or night, or write them a letter or email if you'd prefer.
- Tel: 116 123
- Opening times: 24 hours a day
Should I use a debt management company?
There is plenty of free and independent advice for people struggling with debt.
National Debtline offers mainly telephone-based free advice, and it runs a free online service called My Money Steps.
Face-to-face advice is provided by Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland.
Money Advice Scotland is an umbrella group representing debt advice agencies across Scotland.
StepChange offers free and confidential debt advice online and by phone.
If a debt management company fails to deal with your complaint against it, the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) may be able to help you.
Get top money-saving tips from Which?
Sign up to the Which? Money newsletter to get our latest news, tips and deals straight to your inbox.