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).
man on phone

Guidance for people aged 16-17

StepChange’s debt advice service is only available to people aged 18 or over. If you are aged 16 or 17, we cannot provide debt advice. This page will help you understand your options and find further support.

I need help, but I don’t know where to start

If you are 16 or 17 years old and struggling with debt, you are not alone.

It can be hard to manage your money and deal with debt, especially if you are living independently, studying, working your first job or supporting a family. This guide explains common money and debt issues that can affect young people and where to get help.

Debts and owing money

This section provides information about common debts faced by young people and explains your options and further support.

Living independently for the first time can be a big step. If you are finding it hard to pay household bills or have missed payments already, try not to ignore the problem.

Contact the company you owe money to as soon as possible, as they may be able to offer support or agree to a payment plan.

Find out more about dealing with energy arrears and water arrears.

If you are behind on your rent, you may worry your landlord might ask you to leave; this is called eviction. Speak to your landlord or housing provider immediately to see what help they could give.

Find out more about dealing with rent arrears.

Forgotten to touch in or didn't bring your pass? Even if you are strict about sticking to your monthly budget, sometimes you might end up with a fine or penalty you had not prepared for.

Passed your test? You could end up with a private parking ticket, penalty charge notice or driving fine. Sometimes these fines will get bigger if they are not paid within a certain amount of time.

Find out more about dealing with parking fines.

If you are under 18, you are not allowed to borrow money from a bank or a loan company, so it may be friends or family that you turn to when you need money in a hurry. They may ask you to pay the money back, and you might find it difficult to.

Try speaking to the person you owe money to and arrange to pay smaller amounts over a longer time. Remember, borrowing money from friends or family can affect relationships, so being honest and keeping people updated about your situation is important.

If the person you borrowed money from keeps:

  • Adding extra charges
  • Pressuring you for payment
  • Making you feel afraid

You do not have to deal with this on your own. See further support section for confidential help.

Find out more about dealing with friends and family loans.

Budgeting and feeling more in control

I need help with benefits and money support

Many young people work zero-hour contracts, part-time jobs or seasonal work where earning can be higher during school holidays. If your money is different each month, our making a budget page can help work out an average income to make a realistic budget.

You need to include small things you pay for when making a budget. These can be easy to forget because they are low cost or paid online, but they can add up over time.

These are things like:

  • Buying items through social media marketplaces
  • In-game purchases or extras
  • Music or video streaming subscriptions
  • Mobile phone apps
  • Snacks, drinks or takeaways

Learn how to put together your own budget.

Saving money

Avoid Scams. Stop Fraud.

I worry that a scam could affect me and my future

Keep your personal and banking information safe.

If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If someone asks to use your name, bank account or personal details to help get money or move money between accounts, be careful.

Even if you are trying to help a friend, taking out debt for someone else could leave you involved in fraud without realising it. It may sound like easy money, but you could end up with debts you did not expect to pay, and it can affect your ability to borrow money in future.

Young people are often targeted by online scams. If you’ve lost money through a scam or think someone is trying to use your bank account, contact your bank immediately. You can seek support through a trusted adult or relevant organisation.

Learn more about staying safe from scams.

Further support

These organisations help young people aged 16 – 17 years old with free impartial support.

Organisation Link
Turn2us Helps people with benefits, charitable grants and other support with money.
Stop Loan Sharks England You may feel pressured to pay a debt from a person you thought was a friend. They may be also adding more charges to the debt making repayment feel impossible.
Shelter Get help if you need somewhere to live or stay. They also help with rent arrears advice.
Mind Mental health struggles often go hand in hand with money worries.
Samaritans Whatever you are going through with emotional health Samaritans will face it with you.
Trussell Provide emergency food and energy bill support, grant search. They will issue food vouchers those who are referred usually from local authority or other suitable authority.
Money Helper A financial guide for young people