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Debt help and advice in Scotland

Our expert advisors based in Glasgow can help.

Get debt help now

Wherever you are, StepChange Debt Charity can help. Our advice is always:

  • Based on what is right for you
  • In line with Scottish debt law

We are an approved organisation for the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS).

Use our online debt advice tool or call us.

3 steps to getting help and choosing a debt solution

  • Number 1 icon Tell us about what you are dealing with: Give details of your debts, income and household spending
  • Number 2 icon We work out your budget: So you will have a clear picture of where your money goes
  • Number 3 icon You get free debt advice: Read your personal action plan to find out what do next


household bills iconWorried about money and your mortgage?


Maybe it is a strain to keep on top of monthly spending. Or you don't know what to do when your fixed rate mortgage ends.

Together, we can look at your situation and unlock your options.

Read our homeowner guides.


Debt solutions available in Scotland

There are more ways to deal with debts than you might know about. Find out more about Scottish debt solutions below.

This is a legally binding arrangement between you and the people you owe.

  • Repay your debts over four years
  • Make one monthly payment
  • Any remaining debt is written off at the end

Find out more about protected trust deeds

Also known as full administration bankruptcy.

  • Write off debts you cannot repay in a reasonable time
  • You have to be sure this is right before going ahead

Find out more about sequestration

A TPP gets you extra time to handle your debt problems and ease things with the people you owe money to.

  • You pay £1 each month to everyone you owe for up to one year
  • Send the money to us and we share it among the people you owe money to

Find out more about a TPP

What is debt advice?

When you get debt advice, an impartial expert will look at your finances and recommend ways to get them back on track. They’ll also look at options called debt solutions that could help you deal with your debts. Getting debt advice usually includes setting up a monthly budget, suggesting ways to reduce your spending or increase the money you have coming in, explaining what could happen if you don’t pay your debts, telling you which of your debts you need to pay first, and then going through your debt solutions to explain how they work, how they affect you, and any costs there might be to set one up.

Getting debt advice usually takes about an hour and can be done online over the phone. or face to face. Any information you provide will be kept confidential and shouldn’t affect your credit file or involve any credit checks. And once you’ve chosen the best option for you, you’ll be given a record of your debt advice along with the details of what you need to do next.

Finally, always make sure any organization you get debt advice from is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Free multilingual debt guide

We have a free guide to help you with money worries.

Download in English, Urdu, Punjabi or Polish.

Get the guide

Other services available in Scotland

Re-mortgaging can give you extra money to repay your debts.

There are lots of different things to consider before you do this.

Get mortgage advice

We can help you:

  • Learn how to increase your income
  • Read our tips on reducing your spending
  • Take control of your finances

Budgeting and money advice



Questions about dealing with debt in Scotland

Yes, but the rules depend on type of debt.

For debts regulated by the Consumer Credit Act:

  • The creditor must send you a default notice first
  • They must give you at least 14 days to reply before they start court action

If you owe less than £5,000:

The court will send you a ‘simple procedure notice of claim (form 6A)'

If you owe more than £5,000:

The court will send you an ‘initial writ’.

Need debt help in Scotland?

Get expert debt advice online.

Get debt help now
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Kristeen on Feefo says:

"Debt programme got setup quickly, which was a relief. I'm kept up to date every month. It's a great service."

Get help like Kristeen

About StepChange Debt Charity Scotland

Our free advice

We help people across Scotland from our Glasgow head office. Our debt advice is free.

We are money advisors approved to manage Scottish debt solutions.

Our campaigns

We believe in a society free from problem debt.

  • We campaign for this on behalf of our clients
  • We share stories of living with debt to drive change

Read about our latest report on debt in Scotland: Scotland in the Red.

Debt happens. We deal with it.

We have helped millions of people since 1993.

Find out how.

"Absolutely amazing!"

"I immediately felt less anxious about my situation even after my first phone consultation. They are always so understanding and helpful!"

Victoria, Feefo review