Help with money and debt is available from both local and national organisations.
Local assistance
There are many sources of help and advice locally for dealing with debt and money problems such as:
You may wish to contact your local district or borough council to find out about local support.
National assistance
There are many national organisations and services that offer information, leaflets, advice lines and self-assessment tools to help you find out about your rights and entitlements, manage your money and sort out financial problems. These include:
- Age UK - includes tax, benefits, debt advice and State Pension Age calculators.
- Money Advice Service - free, unbiased information to help you manage your money.
- National Debtline - provides free confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems.
- StepChange Debt Charity - offers a free expert advice service, as well as an online Debt Remedy tool. The tool is easy to use and can be filled in anonymously so you don’t have to give any personal information.
- The Debt Advice Foundation offer free, confidential and impartial support and advice to anyone worried about loans, credit and debt
- Turn2us - is a national charity that helps people in financial hardship gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services.
- Free discount on TV licence (GOV.UK website)
Looking for a loan?
If you wish to borrow money and are looking for a loan avoid high interest charging loan companies. You may be able to borrow and save with a Credit Union in your area.
Budgeting loans
A Budgeting Loan can help pay for:
- furniture or household items (for example, washing machines or other ‘white goods’)
- clothes or footwear
- rent in advance
- costs linked to moving house
- maintenance, improvements or security for your home
- travelling costs within the UK
- costs linked to getting a new job
- maternity costs
- funeral costs
- repaying hire purchase loans
- repaying loans taken for the above items