If you're in debt
Free debt advice options, how to deal with priority debts first, and what to do if creditors are pressuring you.
5 min readLast reviewed May 2026
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You're not alone, and you have options
Debt is not a moral failure. Free, regulated debt advice exists in the UK — it's confidential and there is no charge.
Priority debts come first
Some debts have worse consequences than others. Tackle these first:
- Rent or mortgage arrears (you can lose your home)
- Council tax (court action and bailiffs)
- Energy bills (disconnection)
- TV licence (criminal offence)
- Court fines
Free debt advisers
- StepChange — full debt management plans, free.
- National Debtline — free phone advice.
- Citizens Advice — face-to-face in most areas.
- SSAFA — financial assistance and signposting for the military community.
What to stop doing immediately
- Don't pay non-priority debts before priority ones.
- Don't take a payday loan to cover another debt.
- Don't sign a "consolidation" arrangement without independent advice.
Where to go next
Our advisors can sit down with you, work through what you owe and to whom, and help you contact the right free debt service. Talk to us →
Still need help?
Speak to a trained advisor. Free, confidential, and judgement-free — for anyone who has served, is serving, or is family of someone who has.