# Finding Free Debt Advice

> Where to get free, confidential and impartial debt advice in the UK — and why you never need to pay a company for help that charities give for free.

Canonical page: [/debt-money-problems/finding-free-debt-advice](/debt-money-problems/finding-free-debt-advice/) · Last reviewed: 2026-08-22

You never have to pay for debt advice. Several trusted charities offer free, confidential and impartial help — and they can do everything a fee-charging company does, without taking a slice of your money.

## Key information

- Free debt advice is available from StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice
- MoneyHelper (a government-backed service) can point you to free help
- Charities can set up debt management plans and apply for breathing space for free
- Be cautious of firms that charge fees for help you can get free

## Where to get free help

Several well-established charities and services offer free debt advice across the UK. They will look at your whole situation confidentially, help you work out a budget, [explain your options](/debt-money-problems/debt-solutions-compared) and, where appropriate, deal with your creditors on your behalf.

- StepChange Debt Charity — free advice online and by phone, including free debt management plans
- National Debtline — free, confidential advice by phone and online, with self-help resources
- Citizens Advice — free debt help online, by phone and face to face at local offices
- MoneyHelper — a government-backed service that can direct you to free debt advice

## Be careful of firms that charge

Some [commercial companies](/investing-pensions/checking-a-financial-firm) charge for setting up and running debt solutions such as debt management plans — services the charities above provide for free. Fee-charging firms can take a significant share of your monthly payment or charge a set-up fee, which means less of your money goes towards clearing your debt.

There is no need to pay for this help. If a company contacts you offering to sort out your debts for a fee, or if search results promote paid services, remember you can always choose a free charity instead. Always check with a free adviser before agreeing to pay anyone.

## What to expect when you get advice

A free debt adviser will ask about your income, spending, debts and circumstances so they can give tailored guidance. This is information and guidance to help you decide — not pressure to choose a particular product. Everything is confidential, and a good adviser will always make sure any plan is genuinely affordable for you.

## Your rights

- You are entitled to free, impartial and confidential debt advice — you never have to pay for it.
- Free debt advice charities are regulated and can carry out the same debt solutions as fee-charging firms.
- Advisers must give you clear information and should never pressure you into a solution that is not right for you.

## Official sources

- [StepChange Debt Charity (free advice)](https://www.stepchange.org)
- [National Debtline (free advice)](https://www.nationaldebtline.org)
- [Citizens Advice — help with debt](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/)
- [MoneyHelper — money troubles and debt](https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles)

## Related

- [Struggling With Debt](/debt-money-problems/struggling-with-debt/)
- [Debt Management Plans, DROs, IVAs & Bankruptcy](/debt-money-problems/debt-solutions-compared/)
- [Breathing Space](/debt-money-problems/breathing-space/)
- [Priority Debts](/debt-money-problems/priority-debts/)
- [Budget Planner](/tools-calculators/budget-planner/)

## Sources

- MoneyHelper — [Debt advice locator](https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/dealing-with-debt/debt-advice-locator) (accessed 2026-08-22)
- StepChange — [Get debt help — our free debt advice](https://www.stepchange.org/how-we-help/debt-advice.aspx) (accessed 2026-08-22)
- Citizens Advice — [Do you need to pay for a debt management plan?](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/debt-solutions/debt-management-plans/getting-a-debt-management-plan/do-you-need-to-pay-for-a-debt-management-plan/) (accessed 2026-08-22)