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).
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Welcome to debt advice

You are about to start debt advice with StepChange

  • We will ask about your finances
  • We work out your budget
  • You get free, impartial debt advice

This will not involve a credit check.

Start now, and return at any time

There is no impact on your credit score

Once you have told us about your finances, we will work out your budget and then give you your free, personalised debt advice. If you can’t get hold of all the information right now, you can always save your progress and carry on with things later.

How do I get my debt details?

  • email icon
    Look through information you have been sent
    Check letters, emails, texts and any messages in apps
  • speech bubbles icon
    Ask your creditors
    They will be able to tell you what you owe at the moment
  • currency with arrows icon
    Get a free credit report online
    You can get these from Experian, Equifax or Credit Karma. But they may not always be up to date

Get started

We will ask you about your income, spending and debts. If you are not sure of something, please fill in what you can. You can save as you go and come back later.

We will then recommend a solution to help your situation. Along with all options.

  1. Our service is free and completely confidential
  2. Complete the process online or switch between online and phone
  3. Do it at a time to suit you. You can pause and come back to it later
  4. We will help to set up your solution
  5. Getting debt advice will not affect your credit file or involve a credit check

Find out what to expect from us and what we expect from you. Our remit and responsibilities.

Get debt help from StepChange, your way

Our flexible, free service allows you to switch between online and telephone advice.

Already started?

If you have signed up, log back in to continue.

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"Words can hardly describe how great a service StepChange do, I feel like my life has improved so much thanks to the help they provide."

Richard, East Anglia

Frequently asked questions

Our online debt advice tool will give you advice based on your circumstances, including where you live in the UK, and recommend a solution. Common debt solutions include:

  • Debt management plans (DMP)
  • Individual voluntary arrangements (IVA)
  • Bankruptcy
  • Debt relief orders (DRO)

If you live in Scotland you may also be recommended a:

  • trust deed, or
  • debt payment plan via the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS)

Our advice is based on the following: If you can repay your debt in full over a reasonable period of time, we will recommend a debt solution based on repayment over an insolvency solution. 

An insolvency solution may write off some or all of your debt, but it may also have more of an impact on you. Such as your assets or being able to take out credit.

We will let you know what we think you should do. We will also let you know about any other solutions you could think about. We may also let you know about other places to get the help you need.

After you’ve completed online debt advice you will get a personal action plan, giving you clear and practical advice about how to deal with your debts. We’ll also provide simple steps for you to follow to get things started. This will include instructions on how to deal with your creditors while you’re getting things set up.

If you are currently on an informal debt solution such as a debt management plan (DMP) with another provider then you’re welcome to use our debt advice tool.

If you currently have an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) or trust deed we recommend you talk to your insolvency practitioner before getting debt advice. This is because you’ve signed up to a legally binding agreement. They’ll be able to review your situation if you can’t afford the monthly payments or talk you through your options if you think it’s no longer the right solution for you.

Once you have told us about your finances, we will work out your budget and advise you. You will get a ‘personal action’ plan with:

  • Recommendations on how to deal with your debts
  • Information about ways you may be able to increase your income
How to maximise your income

FSCS logo While we hold your money, it’s covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which can pay compensation if we’re unable to meet our financial obligations. You can find out more on the FSCS website, www.fscs.org.uk.