Dealing with debt is tough. While Saving Superstar and other money-saving sites can give tips, sometimes you need professional, one-to-one help.
With the cost of living still high and household debt rising, more people than ever are turning to UK debt charities for free, impartial advice.
These organisations don’t judge, don’t charge, and can provide everything from immediate breathing space to long-term debt solutions.
How can a debt charity help?
A debt charity can support you in several ways:
- Provide a professional, external overview of your situation.
- Identify the best debt solutions for your circumstances.
- Negotiate directly with your creditors so the calls and letters stop.
- Offer emotional support and reassurance, which is often just as important as practical help.
They can also arrange Breathing Space (a government-backed scheme giving you 60 days of protection from most creditor action), set up a Debt Management Plan (DMP), or guide you towards other formal solutions like a Debt Relief Order (DRO) or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA).
Choosing a debt charity
There are excellent debt charities in the UK, but also commercial companies that look and sound similar. A genuine charity will never charge you for advice or setting up a plan.
If you’re ever asked to pay upfront fees for a consultation, budgeting advice, or a DMP, you’re not dealing with a charity.
Genuine debt charities are regulated, transparent, and committed to free advice.
Top debt charities in the UK
Here are some of the main trusted charities offering free debt help:
- StepChange – The largest debt advice charity, supporting over 500,000 people a year. They help with DMPs, DROs, IVAs, bankruptcy, and offer access to Breathing Space. Phone: 0800 138 1111 (8am–8pm). Webchat: 24/7.
- National Debtline – Provides free advice on arrears, debt solutions, and budgeting. Phone: 0808 808 4000 (9am–8pm). Webchat: 24/7.
- Citizens Advice – Not a dedicated debt charity, but a leading source of advice on debt, benefits, and cost-of-living issues. Phone: 0800 144 8848 (9am–5pm). Online and local offices available.
- Christians Against Poverty (CAP) – Delivers debt counselling, budgeting help, and job clubs through local centres. Home visits available.
- Debt Advice Foundation – Educational charity covering debt solutions, money management, IVAs, DROs, DMPs, and bankruptcy. Phone: 0800 043 4050 (8am–6pm).
Other organisations like PayPlan, Money Adviser Network, and the Financial Wellness Group are not charities, but do provide free regulated debt advice if you need alternatives.
Recent support schemes you should know about
Debt charities can also connect you with grants and new schemes:
- British Gas Energy Trust – Grants up to £1,700, even if you’re not a British Gas customer.
- Ofgem Energy Redress Scheme – Provides charities with funding to issue fuel vouchers and energy efficiency support.
- Crisis and Resilience Fund (replacing the Household Support Fund) – Offers council-run help with essentials like food, housing, and energy bills.
- Local council hardship schemes – Check your local authority website for emergency help.
Why you should act sooner rather than later
Demand for debt advice is at record levels, but funding pressures mean charities are stretched. Some, like Samaritans, have already had to cut services due to financial strain.
Acting early gives you the best chance to access full support before your situation worsens.
What to do next: your action plan
- Write down your income, debts, and outgoings.
- Contact one of the major debt charities for free advice.
- Ask about Breathing Space if creditors are pressuring you.
- Explore council hardship funds or energy trust grants.
- Use budgeting tools (such as those on MoneyHelper) to stay in control.
- Keep in regular contact with your adviser until your plan is working.
Debt charity FAQs
1. Which debt charity should I contact first?
StepChange is often the best starting point as they handle most types of debt solution, including Breathing Space. If you prefer phone or local help, Citizens Advice or CAP may be better suited.
2. What is Breathing Space and how does it work?
Breathing Space gives you 60 days of protection from most creditor action, fees, and interest. During this time, you work with a debt adviser to set up a longer-term plan.
3. Can I get help paying energy bills if I’m not with British Gas?
Yes. The British Gas Energy Trust offers grants to anyone in need, regardless of supplier. Your debt charity can also point you towards other energy trust funds.
4. Are debt charities really free?
Yes. Genuine debt charities like StepChange, National Debtline, and CAP do not charge fees. If you’re being asked to pay, you’re likely dealing with a commercial company, not a charity.
5. What government help is available alongside charity support?
The Crisis and Resilience Fund provides cash or vouchers for essentials via councils. There are also targeted energy support schemes and, if eligible, benefits such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit.
