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National Debtline

Advice you can trust

National Debtline

Providing free impartial debt advice from experts who care

Using this website will help you take the important steps to deal with your debts.

How we can help you

National Debtline is a debt advice charity run by the Money Advice Trust. We are a free and confidential debt advice service for people in England, Wales and Scotland. We have helped millions of people deal with their debts. Our team of expert debt advisers care about improving your situation and will help you to take control of your debts.

On this site you will find all you need to get started on your debt free journey. There are guides, fact sheets, budgeting tools and sample letters to help you write to your creditors. You can also get debt advice by using our webchat service, emailing us or by calling our helpline.

Our debt advisers come from a variety of different backgrounds. All of them are dedicated to helping you tackle your debts.

You can tell us

If you have a personal, health or other issue that is making it harder to manage your finances you can tell us.

If you tell us, it could help us to provide you with a better service. We'll also keep the information confidential.

Confidentiality

To protect your confidentiality, we do not use "caller display" equipment. This means our debt advisers cannot see your number displayed on a screen when you ring. They also have a permanent block on the "caller return" service. This means that if they ring you back, our number will not be announced as the last number to ring you to anyone dialling "1471". This is in case you don't want anyone to know that we have contacted you.

Online personal debt advice

My Money Steps is our 24 hour free online debt advice tool. My Money Steps will give you a personalised action plan setting out practical steps to deal with your debts. It will also help you manage your finances in the future. All you need to do is spare 20 minutes to answer a series of questions about your finances.

 



 

Start My Money Steps

Webchat for debt advice

If you need advice whilst browsing our website you can chat with one of our online specialist debt advisers.

 

Our webchat service is available

Monday - Friday 9am- 8pm

Saturday 9:30am - 1pm 

 

Webchat for advice

Email for debt advice

If you are not sure where to start, or if you think you need some extra help to deal with your debts, you can send an email enquiry to a debt adviser.

If you send us an email using our online form a debt adviser will aim to respond within 48 hours.

 

 

Email us for advice

Call us for debt advice

Our dedicated team of debt advisers are ready to help you deal with your debt. When you call, our debt advisers will talk you through your options. They will give you clear advice on how you can move forward with your debt. 

  • Monday - Friday 9am - 8pm

  • Saturday 9:30am - 1pm

    Call 0808 808 4000

Ways to clear your debt

  • There are different ways to deal with your debts.
  • Whatever your situation, there is usually an option that is suitable for you.
  • Use this section to get more advice about the options that may be appropriate in your situation.

Find out more

Companies that charge for debt advice

You may come across companies offering to sort out your debts if you pay a fee. Always check what the company will do for you before sending them any money. Some companies say they will get your creditors to write off part, or all, of your debts. Unless you have special circumstances, this is unlikely to happen. Remember to use a free and impartial debt advice service. The money you would have paid to a fee charging organisation is better used to pay off your debts.

Ask the company if they are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. The Financial Conduct Authority has issued rules and guidance on minimum standards for debt management companies. You can use the rules and guidelines to make a complaint if the company does not follow them.

You can make a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service if you are not happy with the outcome of your complaint to the company.

Professional advice on dealing with your debts is always available free from agencies such as Citizens Advice, money advice centres, or by contacting National Debtline.

 

 

 

Self-employed?

 

If you are self-employed our sister organisation Business Debtline may be able to help you. On their website you can:

 
  • view an information pack and fact sheets  that deal with debt problems when you are self employed;
  • use a cash-flow forecasting tool to get an idea of how much money will come in and go out of your business over a certain period of time; and

  • complete and print off a business and household budget sheet.

 

Read more about Business Debtline

 

 

Help with mental health difficulties

Anxiety UK supports those living with anxiety disorders by providing information, support and understanding through a range of different services.

Mind provide confidential advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Rethink Mental Illness has a national helpline and local run services and support groups for people living with mental illness, their carers and relatives.

Samaritans are there to help you explore your options, understand your problems better, or will just be there to listen.

Sane provides care and emotional support for people with mental health problems, their families and carers as well as information for other organisations and the public.