We aim to make our website as accessible as possible. However if you use a screen reader and require debt advice you may find it easier to phone us instead. Our phone number is 0 8 0 0 1 3 8 1 1 1 1. Freephone (including all mobiles).
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Welcome to debt advice

You are about to start debt advice with StepChange

  • We will ask about your finances
  • We work out your budget
  • You get free, impartial debt advice

This will not involve a credit check.

Start now, and return at any time

There is no impact on your credit score

Once you have told us about your finances, we will work out your budget and then give you your free, personalised debt advice. If you can’t get hold of all the information right now, you can always save your progress and carry on with things later.

How do I get my debt details?

  • email icon
    Look through information you have been sent
    Check letters, emails, texts and any messages in apps
  • speech bubbles icon
    Ask your creditors
    They will be able to tell you what you owe at the moment
  • currency with arrows icon
    Get a free credit report online
    You can get these from Experian, Equifax or Credit Karma. But they may not always be up to date

Get started

We will ask you about your income, spending and debts. If you are not sure of something, please fill in what you can. You can save as you go and come back later.

We will then recommend a solution to help your situation. Along with all options.

  1. Our service is free and completely confidential
  2. Complete the process online or switch between online and phone
  3. Do it at a time to suit you. You can pause and come back to it later
  4. We will help to set up your solution
  5. Getting debt advice will not affect your credit file or involve a credit check

Find out what to expect from us and what we expect from you. Our remit and responsibilities.

Get debt help from StepChange, your way

Our flexible, free service allows you to switch between online and telephone advice.

Already started?

If you have signed up, log back in to continue.

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"Words can hardly describe how great a service StepChange do, I feel like my life has improved so much thanks to the help they provide."

Richard, East Anglia

Questions we are often asked

There are lots of ways to deal with debt. And there are solutions that work for different situations. These include:

  • Debt management plans (DMPs)
  • Individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs)
  • Bankruptcy
  • Debt relief orders (DROs)

If you live in Scotland, there are also:

  • Trust deeds
  • Debt payment plans through the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS)

You may not be aware that we help people across the UK. Find out more about our debt advice service in Scotland.

Our advice is based on your situation. We look at:

  • How much you can afford to pay towards your debt
  • How long it would take you to repay your debt
  • Where you live
  • Your job
  • Any other things you are dealing with that may make it harder to repay what you owe

If you can afford to make payments each month, we may recommend a repayment plan. Such as a debt management plan.

Or we may tell you about ways to write off your debt.

Insolvency solutions, like bankruptcy or an IVA, can write off some or all of your debt and give you a fresh start. But they may also affect your job, home or being able to take out credit.

We will let you know what we think you should do and what to do next.

We are here for you as long as you need us.

At the end of your debt advice, we share your 'personal action plan'. This is clear and practical advice about how you can deal with your debts, based on what you have told us.

In your personal action plan, you will see:

  • Your monthly budget
  • Simple steps to follow. Including how to apply for your debt solution
  • Advice on dealing with the people you owe

It depends on what solution you are on.

If you are on a debt management plan: Use our advice to check if a DMP is right for you. You can switch to us if you like, as nobody is tied to a DMP. And our DMPs are always fee-free. That means all the money you pay goes towards paying your debt.

If you are on an IVA, trust deed or other formal solution: You should speak to your insolvency practitioner first. They will look at your situation. Tell them if you cannot afford your monthly payments. If you think another option would work better for you, they can talk to you about that.

Once you have told us about your finances, we will work out your budget and advise you. You will get a ‘personal action’ plan with:

  • Recommendations on how to deal with your debts
  • Information about ways you may be able to increase your income
How to maximise your income

FSCS logo While we hold your money, it’s covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which can pay compensation if we’re unable to meet our financial obligations. You can find out more on the FSCS website, www.fscs.org.uk.