Free debt guidance
Most people borrow money at some time in their lives, but if you’re struggling to manage your repayments find out how we can help – and how you can prioritise your payments.
Prioritise your debts
If you’re finding it hard to manage your payments, it’s a good idea to work out what you should pay first.
Priority debts
Priority debts are those that can lead to serious action being taken against you. This can mean you being disconnected from your energy supply, losing your home, or even being sent to prison.
Priority debts include:
- rents or mortgages
- council tax
- utility bills (excluding water bills)
- secured loans
- court fines.
Non-priority debts
You can't be sent to prison or lose your home for not paying non-priority debts, but the creditor can take you to court to get a court order. This would allow bailiffs to collect goods from your home (such as TVs, computers or appliances) to be sold to pay your debts.
Non-priority debts include:
- credit cards, bank loans or overdrafts
- store card or catalogue payments
- water bills.
Get specialist help
If you’re struggling to pay your rent, bills or debts, please contact us so we can offer you help and guidance. Depending on your situation, we may also put you in touch with our specialist debt advice partner StepChange. You could also speak to Citizens Advice for free and impartial guidance.
Universal credit and benefits guidance
Everything you need to know about universal credit.
StepChange: Free debt helpline
StepChange provides a free, debt helpline – no matter how large or small your debts. They'll look at your financial situation, give you expert debt advice and recommend debt solutions to suit your situation. They can also help you set up and support your chosen repayment solution.
Phone StepChange free on 0800 980 8270:
Monday 8am-8pm
Tuesday 8am-8pm
Wednesday 8am-8pm
Thursday 8am-8pm
Friday 8am-8pm
Saturday 8am-4pm
The StepChange website also has a range of advice including a self-help tool called Debt Remedy which can create a personalised debt action plan.
Take a 60-second debt test
Step Change also has a 60-second debt test that tells you if you could benefit from debt advice.
Tools for managing your money
Benefits calculator
Find out which benefits you can claim with our simple, online benefits calculator.
You’ll also be able to find out how much better off you’ll be in work.
It’s free to use, takes just a few minutes and is completely anonymous.
Benefits calculator
Budget planner
See how a budget plan can help you stay in control of your money.
The independent Money Advice Service has a really useful online budget planner. It can help you see what you can afford and how you might be able to save money.
It’s simple to complete and anyone can use it.
If you want any help using the budget planner or our benefits calculator – or any other financial guidance – please contact our Clarion Futures Money Guidance team.
Universal credit and benefits guidance
Everything you need to know about universal credit.
Savings, loans and borrowing money
Practical advice and information on managing your finances.