Free Debt Charities in the UK: Where to Get Help When You're Struggling
Published 3rd of June 2013·Updated 22 April 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy April 2026
Free debt charities in the UK offer expert, impartial advice at no cost to you. Organisations including StepChange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice and the Debt Advice Foundation can help you understand your options, negotiate with creditors and build a realistic repayment plan - without any financial interest in what you choose.
Short Summary
Debt charities are entirely free to use and have no financial interest in the solutions they recommend. That makes them very different from commercial debt management companies, which often charge fees.
The main UK debt charities include StepChange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice, The Money Charity and the Debt Advice Foundation. Each has a slightly different focus, but all offer free, confidential guidance.
Many people delay getting help because they feel embarrassed or overwhelmed. Debt advisers speak to people in your situation every day and will not judge you.
If you are unsure which organisation to contact first, StepChange is a strong starting point. It offers a full debt assessment and will recommend a solution tailored to your circumstances.
Which UK debt charities can help me?
Several well-established charities offer free debt advice across the UK. The right one for you will depend on your situation and how you prefer to get support.
| Organisation | How to contact | Speciality |
|---|---|---|
| StepChange | Online or phone (0800 138 1111) | Full debt assessment and managed repayment plans |
| National Debtline | Phone (0808 808 4000) or online | Self-help tools and debt management plans |
| Citizens Advice | In person, online or phone | General financial and legal rights advice |
| The Money Charity | Online resources | Financial education and prevention |
| Debt Advice Foundation | Phone (0800 043 40 50) | Personalised advice for individuals struggling with debt |
How does StepChange help with debt?
StepChange is the UK's largest debt charity and offers a structured three-step assessment. First, an adviser will ask about your income, debts and essential outgoings to build a full picture. Second, they will help you create a realistic monthly budget. Third, they will recommend a debt solution - such as a debt management plan (DMP), an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) or a debt relief order (DRO) - and help you set it up.
Anonymous online advice is available through the StepChange website, and telephone advice is available six days a week. StepChange is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
What does National Debtline offer?
National Debtline is a telephone and online service run by the Money Advice Trust. It specialises in self-help tools that let you take control of your debt at your own pace. Advisers can also help you set up a debt management plan if needed.
The service covers England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland residents can contact Advice NI for equivalent support. National Debtline also produces free factsheets you can download or have posted to you.
How can Citizens Advice help with debt?
Citizens Advice offers free guidance on debt, benefits, housing and employment across the UK. Its debt advice covers how to prioritise debts (mortgage arrears and council tax should always come first), how to deal with creditors and what formal insolvency options are available.
You can visit a local Citizens Advice branch in person, use the online resources at citizensadvice.org.uk, or call the national advice line. Advisers are trained volunteers and staff, not financial salespeople.
What is The Money Charity?
The Money Charity focuses on financial education rather than crisis intervention. It provides online tools, workshops and resources to help people build better money habits and avoid debt in the first place.
If you are already in debt, The Money Charity's resources are most useful as a supplement to the hands-on advice from StepChange or National Debtline rather than a replacement for it.
What is the Debt Advice Foundation?
The Debt Advice Foundation is a registered charity offering free, confidential advice to people with personal debt problems. Its advisers can walk you through the full range of debt solutions and help you choose the most appropriate one for your circumstances.
The foundation takes a non-judgemental approach and focuses on finding a sustainable route out of debt, not just the fastest one. You can reach them on 0800 043 40 50.
Why use a charity rather than a commercial debt company?
Debt charities have no financial stake in what you decide. A commercial debt management company, by contrast, earns money from administering your plan and may charge fees of hundreds of pounds a year. The Money Advice Service notes that free debt advice from a regulated charity is almost always the better first step.
Charities also tend to offer a broader range of solutions. A commercial firm may only recommend the products it administers. A charity adviser will tell you if bankruptcy, a debt relief order or simply negotiating directly with your creditors is a better fit for your situation.
FAQ
Are debt charities really free?
Yes. StepChange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice and the Debt Advice Foundation all provide advice at no charge. You will never be asked to pay a fee for the advice itself, though some formal debt solutions (such as an IVA) have associated costs that your adviser will explain clearly.
Will contacting a debt charity affect my credit score?
No. Seeking advice from a charity has no impact on your credit score. Your credit file is only affected when a lender searches it or when a formal debt arrangement (such as a DMP or IVA) begins.
Can I get help if my debts are very large?
Yes. Debt charities routinely help people with debts ranging from a few hundred pounds to hundreds of thousands of pounds. There is no minimum or maximum threshold for receiving free advice.
What if I am too embarrassed to talk to someone about my debts?
StepChange and National Debtline both offer anonymous online tools so you can explore your options without speaking to anyone. Most people who do speak to an adviser say they wish they had done it sooner - debt advisers are trained to be non-judgemental.
Can debt charities negotiate with my creditors on my behalf?
Some can. If you set up a debt management plan through StepChange, for example, they will contact your creditors, negotiate reduced or frozen interest and distribute your monthly payment on your behalf. Other charities, such as National Debtline, focus more on equipping you to negotiate yourself.
What is the difference between a charity and a debt management company?
A debt charity provides free, regulated advice with no financial interest in the outcome. A commercial debt management company charges fees - often deducted from your monthly payment - and may have a narrower range of solutions. The FCA requires both to be authorised, but only charities are entirely free to use.