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).
mum at the table with bills

Not sure how to deal with your debts?

We're here to help with free, online debt advice available now.

Get debt help

How to pay off debts

People often ask how to pay off debts and make payments to the people they owe (known as creditors). This can be harder than it should be.

Get debt advice if you are struggling with your monthly payments. We can help you work out if lower payments are the right thing for you.

Money worries?

Find out how we can help you.

Get help now

How can I reduce my outstanding debt?

The first thing to do is make a budget. This will help you understand:


  • How much money you have coming in each month
  • How much money you have going out each month
  • If you can make any savings anywhere
  • What you can afford to pay towards your debts

You need debt advice if you cannot afford to pay more than you do now. We can help you find out which debt solutions are best for you.

Can I negotiate debt?

You may be able to make lower payments if the people you owe understand what you can afford. They may:


You can also offer a settlement to the people you owe:


  • This includes partial settlements
  • It means the people you owe accept a percentage of what you owe
  • They do this if it is not likely you can repay the full amount

What happens if you cannot pay a debt?

Keep in touch with the people you owe and let them know if you find it hard to make payments. Send them:


They may agree new payment terms or pause debt collection for a while.

down iconUse our downloadable template letters to contact your creditors.

You need to prioritise which bills to pay first if you cannot keep up with all your payments.

Find out more about which debts to pay first.

Are you having problems making payments to debts?

If you are struggling to make payments towards debts or making reduced payments, this may be a sign that you need debt advice. Get started with our free online debt advice tool.

Answer 5 quick questions to find out what you should do next.

Be honest – this will just be between us, and we will not record any of the answers you give.

Do you use credit, loans or an overdraft until your wages or benefits come in?

Have you been making minimum repayments on debts or even missing repayments on them?

Have you received any charges for late payments, or fees for your overdraft recently?

Are you currently using credit cards to cover your repayments?

Have you been using credit to pay your household bills? Or have you fallen behind on paying them?

Things are looking pretty good

No need to worry, things are looking pretty good

From what you have told us, you do not have a debt problem.

Make sure you keep on top of your money. You can use ourbudgeting guidesto get started. This will help if you are falling behind with payments.

If you′re worried about money, don′t wait to come back to us forfree and impartial debt advice. We are here to help you whenever you need us.

Get debt help now

You should act now to avoid bigger problems later

From what you have told us, you may have a debt problem. No need to worry, there is a lot you can do. And taking action now means you start to sort it out quicker.

You can get debt advice online at any time. We will not share your details with anyone.

Get debt help now

Or, if you are not ready to get help right now, use ourbudgeting guides.

It looks like you need help with your debts

From what you have told us, your debt has become a problem. You may be worried about this, but we can help you.

Get debt advice online at any time. We will not share your details with anyone.

We will help you to create a budget. This will show you how much you can afford to pay towards your debts. We will also help you deal with the people you owe. And we will recommend ways to start to sort out your debt.

We are here for you online 24/7. If you need to stop and come back later, that is fine.

Get debt help now

You need help with your debts

From what you have told us, your debt sounds a big problem. You are probably worried about this. We can help you.

Get debt advice online now. You can switch to the phone if you want to talk with someone. Either way, we will not share your details with anyone.

We will help you to create a budget, which will show you how much you can afford to pay towards your debts. We will also help you deal with the people you owe money to. And we recommend ways to start to sort out your debt.

We are here for you online 24/7. If you need to stop and come back later, that is fine.

Get debt help now

Sarah

"It didn't matter how many times I re-worked my finances - I would just keep overspending. I just kept telling myself that I had it all under control, but my debts were creeping up over time."Sarah′s story

Jamie

"I hid it from my friends because I didn't want to be judged. I didn't want to seem like that person who didn't know how to handle money."Jamie′s story

Carol

"When I found StepChange Debt Charity, they didn't want anything from me except the truth. When I spoke to the first advisor on the phone I was in a bit of a state, but she made me feel a lot better and that I wasn't being judged in any way, which made a huge difference."Carol′s story

John, Greater Manchester

"StepChange don't judge you. They're here to help. I feel a lot less stressed thanks to them."

Beth, Devon

"The service has been amazing, I feel a massive weight off my mind and no longer worry about my finances."

More clients' stories