Facing debt: advice and support

You do not need to face the challenge of debt alone.

We work with StepChange Debt Charity, the UK’s leading debt advice charity. They help over 630,000 people every year to take back control of their finances, and their lives.

The support they offer is free, impartial and confidential and every client receives expert personalised advice to help them deal with their debts.

Visit their website for online advice, or call them on 0800 138 1111 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm).

Cost of living

We are acutely conscious of how tough things are, and how rising inflation and fuel bills will impact on the postal community. Fuel poverty charity National Energy Action (NEA) offers help and support.

How does debt advice work?

  • They’ll ask for information about your finances to get a full picture of your situation.

    They will help you create a realistic monthly budget to see what you can afford to pay towards your debts.

  • You’ll receive personal debt advice and a tailored plan, which may include an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA), a debt management plan (DMP), a debt relief order (DRO), bankruptcy, Scottish debt solutions or Equity Release.

  • You’ll then have all the information you need to decide on your next steps and move towards a solution.

Take the 60-second debt test

50% of people in debt wait a year or more before seeking help, in which time their situation can often get worse. If you’re worried about debt, take the 60-second debt test.

The 60-second debt test will:

  • Help you recognise the ‘danger signs’ of debt

  • Make it easier to take the first step to tackle your debts

 

Support for specific challenges

Persistent debt

A guide to paying off a persistent debt can help you build a budget and see if increasing your monthly repayments can save you money.

Emergency funding

Information about emergency funding for those in a cash crisis. Details where to get help now, this month, and over the longer term.

Debt and mental health

A guide to dealing with debt stress and mental health, designed to help spot the signs of debt stress and take action to overcome it.

Managing a reduced income

How to deal with a reduced income due to coronavirus is a step-by-step guide to help people who are living on a reduced income take control of their finances

Debt & coronavirus

The debt and coronavirus information hub contains up-to-date information on coronavirus and finances, including SSP, claiming benefits and what help is available from creditors.

Debt and life changes

The life changes guide for people experiencing financial difficulty due to changes like bereavement, long term illness, divorce or separation, or job loss.