Debt & Money Problems
Finding Free Debt Advice
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
On this page
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 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 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 & protection
- 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.
General information, not personal advice
Consumer Credit is an independent information service. We do not provide regulated financial advice or sell financial products. For advice on your own situation, speak to an appropriately authorised firm or a free service such as MoneyHelper. About Consumer Credit.
Sources
We checked this page against these official and authoritative sources.
- MoneyHelper, Debt advice locator (opens in a new tab). Accessed 22 Aug 2026.
- StepChange, Get debt help — our free debt advice (opens in a new tab). Accessed 22 Aug 2026.
- Citizens Advice, Do you need to pay for a debt management plan? (opens in a new tab). Accessed 22 Aug 2026.