Free UK Debt-Advice Charities: Where to Get Help

We're a directory, not a debt adviser. This page explains options in plain English. It is not financial or legal advice. If you want free, regulated debt advice, contact StepChange, National Debtline or Citizens Advice. For a formal insolvency solution, speak to an authorised insolvency practitioner or a debt-law solicitor.

Free debt advice in the UK is available from charities and public bodies. These organisations can discuss debts and formal solutions; The Insolvency Directory is a directory, not a substitute for that regulated advice. Source

Jurisdiction: This page is UK-wide. Ask the charity whether it covers the nation and statutory solution relevant to the case.

At a glance

The table is a summary of published rules, not a personal assessment. Figures and conditions can change, so use the linked authority and a regulated adviser for the current position.

StepChange and National Debtline

StepChange and National Debtline are major national free-advice routes. They offer remote channels, so they may suit people who want to start online or by phone rather than attend an office. Source

The published rules need to be read together rather than as a single deciding factor. Source

MoneyHelper and Citizens Advice

MoneyHelper is the public money-guidance service and includes debt guidance. Citizens Advice covers debt alongside benefits, bailiffs, bankruptcy and other money issues. Source

The published rules need to be read together rather than as a single deciding factor. Source

PayPlan and CAP

PayPlan offers free debt advice, while Christians Against Poverty has a face-to-face model through local churches. The choice is about the kind of support and channel a reader is comfortable using, not a ranking of services. Source

The published rules need to be read together rather than as a single deciding factor. Source

Business Debtline and Turn2us

Business Debtline is specifically for self-employed people and small businesses. Turn2us can be useful where debt problems overlap with benefits eligibility or a search for grants. Source

The published rules need to be read together rather than as a single deciding factor. Source

Choosing a contact point

There is no single “best” charity for every situation. A reader may prefer a service because it covers Scotland, offers face-to-face support, understands self-employment or combines debt information with benefits support; the service itself can explain its scope. Source

The published rules need to be read together rather than as a single deciding factor. Source

Using this information

This guide explains published rules and terms, but it cannot establish how those rules apply to a particular person, household or creditor. A regulated adviser reviews the full facts, including documents, income, assets, debts and where the person lives in the UK. Source

The figures in the table are useful signposts, not a calculator or an approval decision. A small change in the facts can matter, and formal processes have duties that are not visible from a headline threshold alone. Source

Free debt-advice charities can explain the available routes without promoting a commercial firm. An authorised insolvency practitioner or debt-law solicitor can explain the legal process for a formal solution where that is relevant. Source

This page was reviewed on 10 August 2026. The linked authority is the place to check the current wording, because legislation, fees, forms and administrative guidance can change. Source

Reading rules alongside the facts

A rule can look straightforward while its application depends on evidence and timing. Account statements, valuations, creditor balances, household income, benefits, property interests and previous formal arrangements may all affect the information considered in a case. This is why the guide uses neutral language rather than treating a checklist, table or public record as a conclusion about an individual. The authority link and a regulated professional provide the route to current, case-specific clarification.

Related information

• Help with debts
• DRO hub
• IVA hub
• Scotland insolvency hub
• Breathing Space

Talk to a regulated professional. The right route out of debt depends on your specific circumstances — income, assets, debts, dependents and where you live in the UK. A regulated insolvency practitioner or a debt-advice charity can review your position and set out the options that apply to you. Find a regulated practitioner near you or contact a free debt-advice charity listed above.

Frequently asked questions

Is debt advice from these charities really free?

Yes. Every charity listed here — including StepChange, National Debtline, MoneyHelper, PayPlan, CAP, Business Debtline and Turn2us — provides free debt advice. Source

Which charity should I contact first?

It depends on your situation — for example, Business Debtline focuses on the self-employed, CAP offers face-to-face support through local churches, and Turn2us also checks benefits entitlement. Source

Is there a government-backed option?

Yes — MoneyHelper is backed by the government's Money and Pensions Service and offers free money and debt guidance. Source

Do any of these charities cover Scotland?

Yes. National Debtline and StepChange both explicitly cover Scotland, including Scotland-specific solutions like the Debt Arrangement Scheme and trust deeds. Source

Is there a faith-based debt advice charity?

Yes — Christians Against Poverty (CAP) provides free, face-to-face debt help through a UK-wide network of local churches. Source

This page is published by The Insolvency Directory for general information about UK personal insolvency and debt options. It is not financial, legal, tax or debt advice, and reading it does not create a client relationship. The information is a summary — the rules change and depend on your circumstances. For advice specific to you, contact a regulated debt-advice charity or an authorised insolvency practitioner. Last reviewed 2026-08-10.