Free independent help and advice

If you’re in a tough spot, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Get free, independent advice from friendly organisations and charities. Your government is also there to support you.

Find the right support for you

Use this tool to find the right help and advice for your current situation.
 

Please see the full list of support providers available.

Citizens Advice - General advice

Citizens Advice logo

Who are they?

Citizens Advice have been offering free, unbiased, independent advice for over 80 years. Giving people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem. This national charity and network of local charities offer confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.

What support can they offer?
  • reviewing your existing benefits and checking if you can apply for any others
  • housing support
  • the cost of living
  • consumer issues
  • understanding your rights
  • managing debt.

How to get in touch

Money Wellness - Debt advice

Money Wellness logo

Who are they?

Money Wellness are passionate about improving financial wellbeing, offering free advice and support to over a million people for the last 30 years. 

What support can they offer?
  • free debt advice
  • free ongoing debt solutions
  • free benefit and grant eligibility assessments
  • partnered with other support providers to offer mental health, gambling and addiction support where needed.

How to get in touch

Visit: Money Wellness

Call: 0800 307 7002 (Lines are open Monday to Thursday 9am to 8pm, Friday 9am to 4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm).

They also offer:

  • a callback option and calendar that you can access
  • webchat and email communication channels.

What will you need when you speak to them?

A bank statement can be useful but not essential. You should have at least an hour available for an advice session.

StepChange - Debt advice

StepChange Debt Charity logo

Who are they?

StepChange has a team of debt experts who help hundreds of thousands of people each year with debt issues. With 30 years of experience, you can trust them to give the advice and support you need. Helping you gain long-term control over your money.

What support can they offer?
  • 24/7, free, flexible debt help is available based on your situation to get your finances back in order
  • a wide range of practical debt solutions and support for as long as it’s needed
  • access to a benefits calculator and cost-of-living budgeting advice
  • homeowner support through specialist mortgage and equity release teams.

How to get in touch

Visit: StepChange

Call: 0800 138 1111 (Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm).

What will you need when you speak to them?
  • your income: any wages, benefits or other forms of income
  • your outgoings: how much you spend each month on rent/mortgage, utilities, food, travel, and any other essential costs
  • any debts you have, such as: credit cards, loans, car finance and any arrears on rent, utilities or Council Tax.

PayPlan - Debt advice

PayPlan logo

Who are they?

PayPlan offers free, confidential debt advice and solutions to make life more affordable. Instant support tailored to your needs. Available by phone, WhatsApp, live chat and 24/7 online.

What support can they offer?
  • debt advice
  • debt solutions
  • budgeting advice

How to get in touch

Visit: PayPlan.

If you would like to speak to someone, please call 0800 980 4162. (Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 3pm).

What will you need when you speak to them?

It would be helpful to have information such as a bank statement to hand. But don’t worry if you don’t have one. An adviser will still be able to support you.

Shelter - Housing

Shelter logo

Who are they?

Shelter works hard to protect everyone's right to a safe home. They tackle the serious effect of the housing emergency on individuals and society. The team offers advice, information, and advocacy to those in need. Talking to communities to understand the housing crisis and aim to change the system.

They work in partnership with Shelter Cymru in Wales and the Housing Rights Service in Northern Ireland, as well as Focus Ireland in Ireland.

What support can they offer?

They can help:

  • Locally. Advice and support services offer one-to-one help with housing issues and homelessness.
  • Online. Find expert information about everything from reclaiming your deposit to applying as homeless. Or speak to an adviser over web chat.
  • Over the phone. A free emergency helpline is open 365 days a year to answer calls from anyone struggling with a housing issue or homelessness.
  • Legal support. Their solicitors give free legal advice and attend court to help people who’ve lost their homes or are facing eviction.

How to get in touch

Visit: Shelter

Call: 0808 800 4444 (Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm).

What will you need when you speak to them?

It is useful to have documents ready before you call, like your tenancy agreement, relevant letters or messages.

The Digital Helpline

assurant

Who are they?

Assurant is passionate about helping as many people as possible to thrive in a connected world, and globally we support more than 300 million customers to protect the things that matter most, including their mobile devices. We want to make technology more accessible and user-friendly, so that you can have more confidence when it comes to completing those essential activities which arise in your day-to-day life. 

What support can they offer?

Free 1-2-1 digital skills training over the phone, helping you learn how to:

  • use digital devices, such as laptops, phones and tablets
  • how to open an email account
  • facetime and call with family and friends
  • shop online for groceries
  • use price comparison websites
  • staying safe online.

How to get in touch

Call: 0345 222 0333 (Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm)

Those who are Deaf and use British Sign Language (BSL) can book a session using SignVideo. Available on Safari, Chrome or Firefox web browsers.

Customers who have hearing loss or a speech impairment can use the service through Relay UK.

Government support

Your national government offers guidance on a range of benefits and housing options that you may be able to apply for.
 

Gov.uk logo

If you find yourself in financial difficulties and on a low income, you can get help and advice from your government and local councils. This includes help with heating, housing and other living costs.

Get help now from GOV.UK

 

Your government also offers lots of help with the rising cost of living. This includes support with energy bills, childcare costs and transport costs.

Cost of living support from GOV.UK

More support
 

Reducing the cost of your credit

If you are paying more in interest, fees and charges than off your credit or store card balance, you may be in persistent debt.

Persistent debt

Support and financial wellbeing

Helping you manage your money through life's journey. Whether it’s key life events, health challenges or money worries, we’re here to support you.

Support and wellbeing

Accessibility and disability

Find out about the different kinds of accessibility support we offer, and how to get in touch.

Accessibility and disability

Remember, we’ll never get in touch to ask you to move money to another account, for your banking details or to take control of a computer. The organisations listed on this page won’t do this either.

Money worries

If you are struggling with your finances, or worried about the increased cost of living, you are not alone. We can help.

Support with money worries

Money worries

If you are struggling with your finances, or worried about the increased cost of living, you are not alone. We can help.

Support with money worries