This article is for general information only. It is not financial advice and does not recommend a specific lender or product.

What has changed

Free debt advice services in the UK have expanded their guidance as cost-of-living pressures continue to affect household finances. Key developments include:

  • StepChange Debt Charity updated its online debt advice tools in early 2024 to help people in arrears or at risk of arrears assess their options more quickly.
  • Citizens Advice continues to provide face-to-face, phone, and online support for people struggling with bills, benefit entitlement, and debt. Its guidance pages were last reviewed in spring 2025.
  • MoneyHelper (run by the Money and Pensions Service, a government-backed body) offers a free debt advice locator that links people to regulated advice services near them.
  • The UK Government's Breathing Space scheme (officially the Debt Respite Scheme) gives people in problem debt a 60-day period free from creditor action and most enforcement, while they get formal debt advice.

This article was last reviewed: May 2025.

Why it matters

If you are behind on bills or borrowing to cover everyday costs, getting advice early usually means more options are available. According to StepChange's 2023 annual report, the average client had been struggling with debt for over a year before contacting the charity. Free advice from a regulated charity costs nothing and carries no obligation to take out any product.

Risks and warnings

Be careful about the following if you are struggling with debt:

  • Paid debt management companies charge fees that reduce the money available to pay your creditors. Free charities do the same work at no cost to you.
  • Debt consolidation loans can reduce your monthly payment by spreading debt over a longer term, but this often means paying more in total interest overall, see our guide Is debt consolidation right for you? Costs, risks, and alternatives for a full breakdown.
  • Secured loans and remortgaging to pay off unsecured debt puts your home at risk if you fall behind on repayments. This is a significant step that warrants careful thought.
  • Ignoring the problem gives creditors grounds to pursue county court judgements (CCJs) or, for priority debts such as rent, council tax, and energy bills, more serious enforcement action.

If you are already missing payments or using credit to pay for essentials such as food or fuel, free debt advice is a safer first step than applying for further borrowing.

Which service should you contact first?

The three main free services each have a slightly different focus:

  • StepChange specialises in debt advice and can set up formal debt solutions such as debt management plans. It is a good first call if you are already missing payments or feel overwhelmed by what you owe.
  • Citizens Advice covers a broader range of issues including benefits, housing, and employment as well as debt. It can be particularly useful if your financial difficulties are linked to a change in circumstances such as job loss or a benefits problem.
  • MoneyHelper is best used as a starting point if you are not yet sure whether you need formal debt advice. Its debt advice locator can direct you to a regulated local service, and its online tools cover budgeting and general money guidance.
  • National Debtline is a specialist telephone and online debt advice service run by the Money Advice Trust. It provides free, confidential guidance on managing debt and can help you understand your legal rights with creditors.

Free debt help is available now:

  • StepChange: 0800 138 1111
  • National Debtline: 0808 808 4000
  • MoneyHelper: 0800 138 7777

Who may be affected

  • People who have missed one or more bill or loan payments.
  • Households whose income has fallen or whose essential costs have risen.
  • Anyone using credit cards or overdrafts regularly to cover everyday spending.
  • People who are not sure which debts to prioritise (priority debts such as rent, mortgage, council tax, and energy should generally be dealt with first).

If you are up to date with all payments and simply want to understand your options, free services can still give useful guidance on budgeting and debt prevention.

What to read next

Sources

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