StepChange Debt Charity. Free Expert Debt Help & Advice (2024)

Find the right help

• I cannot pay my energy bills. Can you help me?

  To avoid your supply being cut off, we can work with you on a plan to pay back what you owe.

  If there is no way for you to do that we will look at other ways to deal with your debts.Read our guide about gas and electricity bills.

• Can I write off debt?

  Sometimes you can do this. It could be that it would take you a very long time to pay what you owe. In this case you could apply for a solution that writes off some or all your debt. But you must get debt advice before doing this.

  In some cases, the people you owe money to may choose to write off the debt. It depends what you are dealing with.

  Find out if you can write off debt and how it works.

• Is debt consolidation right for me?

  If you have a poor credit history, you are more likely to be offered loans and credit to consolidate debt. This could be because you have missed payments or have County Court judgments (CCJs).

  These types of credit often have a higher rate of interest which must be paid. Because of this, consolidation may not be the best option for you. Using a credit card or loan that could cost you a lot means you are at risk of more money problems in the future.

  Find out more about debt consolidation.

• I urgently need help with money for food and bills. Can you help?

  It may seem like there’s no help. But there is a range of support available. Trust funds, credit unions, councils, energy companies, the government and charities all offer ways to help.

  And we can work with you on your budget so you can afford your bills. We also work with partners who can give you more support where you need it.

  Find out how to get emergency help.

• How do I make a budget?

  Making a budget is the first step towards taking control of your finances and getting back on track.

  This helps you to see where your money is going. And that makes it easier to make sure you have covered all the things you need to pay for. When you come to us for debt advice, we will work out your budget with you.

  Watch our video guide: Making a budget.

• How do I deal with bailiffs chasing me for money I owe?

  It’s important to know what your rights whendealing with bailiffs, orSheriff officers.They should write to you before coming to your home. If they visit you there are lots of rules about what bailiffs can and can’t do.

  A debt collector is not always a bailiff. Bailiffs have special legal powers to collect a debt.Find out how debt collection works.

• What happens if I cannot pay my rent or mortgage?

  If you don’t deal with yourrent arrears: Your landlord or letting agency could take steps to evict you. But you can take steps to avoid this.

  If you don’t deal withmortgage arrears: Your lender could look into repossessing your home. This will happen as a last resort.

  You should work out how much you can afford to pay. We can help you put together a budget to do this. You then use this budget to offer to pay what you owe at a rate you can afford. Share your budget with the lender or landlord so they can see you are paying as much as you can. You must keep to the new payment plan they have agreed to.

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