Money Worries Help
Free, trusted places to get help if you are struggling with bills or debt. Many complaints start with money problems.
Consumer Protection UK does not give debt or financial advice. These are free, independent services. We have checked each website and number (2 October 2026), but opening times can change, so check before you call. Ask your own council about local crisis support too.
Free Debt Advice
MoneyHelper (Money and Pensions Service)
Government-backed free and impartial money guidance, including a debt advice locator, budgeting help, pensions guidance and scam information.
0800 011 3797 (free from UK; Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, closed weekends and bank holidays). WhatsApp +44 (0)7701 342744, same hours.
Best for: First stop for any money question or finding a free debt adviser
StepChange Debt Charity
Free, FCA-regulated debt advice and debt solutions (including debt management plans, DROs and, in Scotland, Debt Arrangement Scheme and trust deeds) with no fees for its plans. Online service available 24/7.
0800 138 1111 (freephone incl. mobiles; opening times not confirmed on page seen)
Best for: Multiple debts, arrears, setting up a free debt management plan
National Debtline
Free, independent debt advice by phone, webchat and an online tool (My Money Steps), run by a charity regulated by the FCA.
0808 808 4000 (Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9:30am-1pm, Sun closed)
Best for: Phone or webchat debt advice, including evenings and Saturdays
Citizens Advice (Money and Debt Advice, England)
Free local advice on debt, benefits, housing and money problems, via the Adviceline, local offices and online guides.
Adviceline England 0800 144 8848 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, not public holidays). Wales: Advicelink Cymru 0800 702 2020 (Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 9am-1pm). Scotland: 0800 028 1456 (hours not confirmed).
Best for: Face-to-face or phone help with debt, benefits and housing
Debt Advice Foundation
A registered national debt advice and education charity (FCA authorised) giving free, confidential advice on loans, credit and debt. Still operating as of this check.
0800 043 40 50 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm)
Best for: Free debt helpline, no appointment needed
PayPlan
FCA-regulated debt advice provider that says its service is free to the customer and arranges debt management plans, IVAs and other solutions. Note it is a commercial firm funded largely by creditors; explain options and compare with charity providers.
0800 316 1833 (freephone incl. mobiles; Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-3pm)
Best for: Another free route to a debt management plan
Breathing Space from Creditors
Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme) - England and Wales
A legal pause for up to 60 days where most creditor enforcement and contact stops and most interest and charges are frozen. A mental health crisis version lasts for the length of crisis treatment plus 30 days. It can only be started through an FCA-authorised debt adviser (or a local authority debt adviser) and is free.
Best for: Urgent pressure from creditors while you get debt advice
Statutory Moratorium on Diligence - Scotland
Scotland's equivalent protection: for six months from registration creditors cannot enforce debts, for people applying for a Debt Payment Plan, trust deed or sequestration. Applied for via a money adviser or the Register of Insolvencies; only one is allowed in any 12 months.
Accountant in Bankruptcy Bankruptcy Applications and Decisions team: 0300 200 2850
Best for: Scottish residents needing a pause from enforcement
Bills and Household Costs
Priority Services Register (Ofgem / Your Energy Supplier)
Free register with your energy supplier and network operator giving extra support such as priority help in an emergency, advance notice of planned power cuts and accessible bills. Open to older people, disabled people, those with long-term conditions, young children and anyone in temporary hardship.
Best for: Extra energy support for vulnerable households (register with each supplier)
Energy Supplier Hardship Funds and Payment Help (via Ofgem Guidance)
Ofgem says suppliers can offer payment plans, payment breaks or reductions, and access to hardship funds, so contact your supplier first. Citizens Advice also gives energy advice.
Citizens Advice energy lines listed by Ofgem: England 0808 144 8848; Scotland 0808 196 8660 (Energyadvice.scot)
Best for: Struggling to pay gas or electricity bills
Consumer Council for Water (CCW) - Water Bill Help and WaterSure
Independent voice for water consumers in England and Wales; helps with complaints and explains bill support. WaterSure caps bills at the company's average for metered, lower-income households with three or more dependent children or a medical condition needing lots of water.
England 0300 034 2222; Wales 0300 034 3333 (hours not confirmed)
Best for: Water bill affordability and water company complaints
Warm Home Discount
One-off £150 discount off an electricity bill, applied by your supplier. GOV.UK says the scheme has closed for winter 2025 to 2026 and will reopen in October 2026 (so it is due to run in winter 2026 to 2027). Not available in Northern Ireland. Check eligibility on GOV.UK; do not pay anyone to apply.
Best for: Low-income households in Great Britain wanting winter electricity help
Turn2us
National charity with a free benefits calculator and grants search to help people find benefits and charitable grants they may be entitled to.
Best for: Checking benefits entitlement and finding grants
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Advicelink Cymru (Citizens Advice Wales)
Free advice line for people in Wales on debt, benefits, housing and more.
0800 702 2020 (Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 9am-1pm, not public holidays)
Best for: Money and debt advice in Wales
Money Advice Scotland
Scottish charity promoting free, independent debt advice and financial inclusion; supports advisers and points people to local services. Its website says it is being rebuilt and recommends Citizens Advice Scotland for finding advice.
Best for: Scottish debt advice signposting (use Citizens Advice Scotland 0800 028 1456 for direct help)
Advice NI
Independent advice network in Northern Ireland offering free advice on benefits, money and debt, cost of living and more, with a freephone helpline.
0800 915 4604 (freephone; hours not confirmed)
Best for: Money and debt advice in Northern Ireland
If You Have Been Scammed
Report Fraud (Formerly Action Fraud)
The national police service for reporting fraud and cyber crime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, replacing Action Fraud (full public launch January 2026).
0300 123 2040 (opening times not shown on page seen)
Best for: Reporting scams and fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Police Scotland (Reporting Fraud in Scotland)
Scotland residents report fraud to Police Scotland on 101, as Report Fraud directs; call 999 in an emergency.
101 (non-emergency); 999 emergency
Best for: Reporting fraud if you live in Scotland
Financial Ombudsman Service
Free, independent service that settles complaints about financial businesses after you have complained to the firm first.
0800 023 4567 (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm); 0300 123 9 123
Best for: Unresolved complaints about banks, lenders, insurers, debt firms
If Money Worries Are Affecting You
Samaritans
Free emotional support from trained volunteers for anyone struggling, including with money worries.
116 123 (free, 24 hours, every day); Welsh line 0808 164 0123
Best for: Feeling overwhelmed or distressed about money
Mind
Mental health charity with an Infoline and a Welfare Benefits Line covering money, benefits and cost of living support for people with mental health problems.
Infoline 0300 123 3393 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm); Welfare Benefits Line 0300 222 5782 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm). Charges may apply.
Best for: Money problems linked with mental health
Avoid Debt Traps
- Use free, impartial advice first (MoneyHelper's debt advice locator, StepChange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice). The FCA says free debt advice is available to everyone.
- Check any debt firm on the FCA Firm Checker/Financial Services Register before signing; all debt management plan providers must be FCA authorised (MoneyHelper, FCA).
- FCA red flags in debt advice: pressure or repeated contact, being coached to change income or expense details, being steered to fee-charging solutions such as IVAs without free alternatives explained, and unclear who the adviser works for.
- Beware firms promising to 'write off' or wipe debts (including mortgages) using 'Strawman' or 'Sovereign Citizen' theories. They charge fees even when it fails, and you lose Financial Ombudsman and FSCS protection; stopping payments can lead to court action or repossession. Report them to the FCA Consumer Helpline 0800 111 6768.
- You do not need a claims management company to claim: you can claim yourself for free. FCA-authorised firms must follow fee caps, give a 14-day cooling-off period and a one-page summary; avoid firms that cold-call or text or use high pressure.
- Never pay upfront for help with Breathing Space, the Warm Home Discount or other government schemes; Breathing Space is free via an authorised debt adviser. Report scams via Report Fraud (Police Scotland on 101 in Scotland).
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