Independent advice
Independent advice
You may need to get free independent advice before you apply to one of our schemes.
Debt and budget advice can help you to:
- boost your income - find out about extra benefits, tax credits and schemes
- manage your money - stay on top of essential bills and keep your spending on track
- deal with your debts - work out a realistic plan to repay your debts and ensure the most serious debts are dealt with first.
These are some of the non-profit organisations that offer free help. Remember to check the organisation is non-profit before signing up. Alternatively to find a local debt advice centre, check with your council or see your telephone directory.
Coronavirus (Covid-19) help:
The Money Advice Service provides wider support on managing money during coronavirus and what you are entitled to.
Online and telephone advice only
StepChange
Phone : 0800 138 1111 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, Saturday, 8am to 4pm). Calls are free from landline and mobile phones. If you are vulnerable due to age, mental health or capacity you are able to get extra help via a free advocacy service.
Money Advice Service
Free money advice online via webchat, a budget planner and money health check. Call 0300 500 5000 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, Saturday, 9am to 1pm). Printed guides and advice. Calls are free from landline and mobile phones.
National Debtline
Call 0808 808 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm, Saturday, 9.30am to 1pm). Calls are free from landline and mobile phones.
deafPLUS
deafPLUS National BSL Money Advice Helpline is delivered via live chat using either Skype or FaceTime.
Online, telephone and face to face advice
During the current Coronavirus outbreak you may find that face to face agencies are limiting this type of interaction and offering a telephone, online or messaging service. Please see individual websites for information.
Citizens advice
Face to face : full debt and consumer advice service. Many have specialist caseworkers to deal with any type of debt, including repossessions and negotiation with creditors.
Debt Free South West
Help people who have money and debt problems in Bristol and the surrounding areas. Will provide support face to face, via phone or by email in your local area. Call 0800 138 3422
Christians against poverty
Face to face : debt counselling agency which specialises in helping those who are emotionally struggling too. The religious focus is why they do it, not how they do it. Call 0800 328 0006 or find local CAP services
Tools for you
Money Advice Service
The money manager is a free interactive online support tool to help Universal Credit claimants with their personal finances.
Squirrel
Squirrel makes it easy and fun to save for your goals and create - then keep to - your very own personalised budget. The app then keeps your savings safe and pays out your spending and bill money as you need it.
StepChange
If you're worried that you need help with your finances try StepChange's 60-second debt test. By answering a few simple questions we'll be able to tell you if you need debt advice
Turn2us
You can find out what means-tested benefits you may be entitled to including tax credits and you can search for funds that might be able to give you a grant and/or other types of help.