If you’re struggling with debt, you’re not alone — millions of UK households face debt problems, and free help is available. Never pay for debt advice. Free debt charities provide exactly the same services as paid companies, without taking money that could go towards clearing your debts.
This guide covers where to get free debt advice, what help is available, and how to access it.
Why You Should Never Pay for Debt Advice
Commercial debt management companies often charge:
- Setup fees — £50-£300 upfront
- Monthly fees — 15-17% of your monthly payment
- Exit fees — To leave their scheme early
Over a 5-year Debt Management Plan, you could pay thousands in fees — money that should go to your creditors.
Free debt charities provide the same services — negotiating with creditors, setting up payment plans, advising on insolvency options — at no cost.
Best Free Debt Advice Providers
StepChange Debt Charity
The UK’s largest debt charity
- Online debt advice tool — Get personalised recommendations 24/7
- Free Debt Management Plan — They handle all creditor negotiations
- Dedicated advisers — Phone support Monday-Friday
- Website: stepchange.org
- Phone: 0800 138 1111
StepChange helps over 600,000 people per year and can negotiate directly with most UK creditors.
National Debtline
Expert phone and online advice
- Fact sheets — Free guides on every debt type
- Webchat — Quick questions answered online
- Phone advisers — Trained debt specialists
- Website: nationaldebtline.org
- Phone: 0808 808 4000
Particularly good for specific questions about individual debt types.
Citizens Advice
Face-to-face support available
- Local offices — In-person appointments (search on website)
- Online advice — Step-by-step debt guides
- Phone helpline — General advice line
- Website: citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money
- Phone: 0800 144 8848
Best choice if you prefer face-to-face support or have complex circumstances.
PayPlan
Free DMP specialist
- Free Debt Management Plans — One of the largest free DMP providers
- Creditor negotiations — They handle communication
- One monthly payment — Simplified debt management
- Website: payplan.com
- Phone: 0800 280 2816
Another excellent option for free DMPs.
MoneyHelper
Government-backed information
- Debt advice locator — Find local services
- Guides to all debt solutions — Impartial information
- Budget planner — Free online tool
- Website: moneyhelper.org.uk
- Phone: 0800 138 7777
Good starting point for understanding your options.
Types of Free Debt Help Available
| Solution | Best For | Duration | Impact on Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debt advice | Understanding options | One-off | None |
| Debt Management Plan (DMP) | Repaying debts over time | 3-10 years | Negative (accounts default) |
| Breathing Space | 60-day pause from creditors | 60 days | None from application |
| Debt Relief Order (DRO) | Low income, few assets, debts under £30,000 | 12 months | 6 years on credit file |
| Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) | Larger debts, regular income | 5-6 years | 6 years on credit file |
| Bankruptcy | Overwhelming debts, no realistic repayment | Usually 12 months | 6 years on credit file |
A free debt adviser will explain which options suit your circumstances.
Breathing Space Scheme
Since May 2021, the Breathing Space scheme gives people in debt a 60-day pause from:
- Creditor contact
- Interest and charges being added
- Enforcement action
To access Breathing Space, you need to get debt advice from an approved provider (any of the organisations listed above). They’ll assess your eligibility and apply on your behalf.
What Happens When You Contact a Debt Charity
- Income and expenditure review — You’ll list all income, bills, and debts
- Budget analysis — The adviser identifies how much you can realistically afford
- Options explained — They’ll outline solutions that suit your circumstances
- Action plan — You’ll agree next steps together
- Creditor communication — They can contact creditors on your behalf if needed
Everything is confidential. Your employer, landlord, or family won’t be contacted.
Priority vs Non-Priority Debts
Free debt advisers will help you understand which debts to tackle first:
Priority Debts (Pay These First)
- Council Tax
- Rent/mortgage arrears
- Energy bills
- TV licence fines
- Child maintenance
- Court fines
- HMRC debts (tax, National Insurance)
Consequences of non-payment: Bailiffs, prison (in extreme cases), losing your home, disconnection.
Non-Priority Debts
- Credit cards
- Personal loans
- Catalogue debts
- Payday loans
- Overdrafts
- Mobile phone contracts
Consequences: County Court Judgments, default marks on credit file, debt collection contact — but not prison or losing your home.
Warning Signs of Debt Problem
Seek advice early if you:
- Only pay minimum amounts
- Use credit for essentials (food, bills)
- Borrow to repay other debts
- Miss payments regularly
- Feel anxious about opening post
- Don’t know how much you owe
The earlier you get help, the more options you have.
How to Prepare Before Contacting Debt Advice
Having this information ready speeds up your appointment:
- List of all debts — Who you owe, how much, monthly payment
- Income details — Salary, benefits, other income
- Essential expenses — Rent, council tax, energy, food
- Bank statements — Last 3 months
- Any letters from creditors — Especially court summons
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything — advisers work with what you have.
Related Guides
- Complete UK Debt Guide — All debt solutions explained
- What Happens If Bailiffs Come — Your rights
- Debt Relief Order (DRO) Guide — Who qualifies
- IVA Guide — Individual Voluntary Arrangements
- Priority Debts Guide — Which debts come first
- Debt and Mental Health Guide — Support for wellbeing
If you’re in debt, help is available. Contact a free debt charity today — they’ve helped millions of people and can help you too. Call StepChange on 0800 138 1111 or visit stepchange.org.