Debt and money
What do you need help with?
Landlords generally have to follow a certain procedure in order to evict you. Your rights will depend on the type of tenancy you have, which you can check using Shelter’s tenancy rights checker.
Citizens Advice have a guide to eviction for rent arrears. In most cases you don’t have to leave your home before your landlord gets a court order. This means you may have time to resolve the issue, even if it’s already gone to court.
If court proceedings have started you may be able to get free advice from a solicitor. This will depend on whether you’re eligible for legal aid. You can check your entitlement to legal aid online or by calling Civil Legal Advice, who can also advise you about your situation.
If you can’t get legal aid or afford a solicitor you should still attend any court hearing about your eviction. If you explain to the judge why you’re in arrears they may decide that it isn’t appropriate to evict you. You may also be able to get legal advice from a duty solicitor on the day of the hearing – arrive early and speak to a court clerk about this.
When bailiffs (also called ‘enforcement agents’) visit you have rights and they shouldn’t bully you.
Citizens Advice have a guide to stopping bailiffs at your door, which includes information about when they can enter your home without permission.
If you’re vulnerable bailiffs also have to treat you with more care, so you should let them know this as soon as you can.
You should take advice if you need help with your debts, but in addition to this you can also complain to an ombudsman if a bailiff breaks the rules of treats you badly.
You can use the Turn2us or Entitledto benefit calculator to check that you’re receiving the right benefits. If you’re thinking about claiming Universal Credit our Help to Claim service can advise you about whether this will increase your income.
Citizens Advice have guides to working out your budget and getting help with your bills.
You may need advice about a debt management plan if you’re having difficulty keeping up with your existing repayments.
We only help individuals. If you’re self-employed or run a small business and need advice about debt you can contact Business Debtline.
Information and self-help resources
Information from Citizens Advice about common financial issues, including:
- debt solutions
- mortgages
- rent arrears
- banking
- pensions
- tax.
National organisation that provides guides, fact sheets, budgeting tools and sample letters to help you write to your creditors.
Manage and pay your Council Tax online. Find information about:
- discounts, refunds and exemptions
- reporting changes in your circumstances
- what to do if you move house.
Organisations that can help
Free, confidential debt advice service.
Phone: 0808 808 4000 (read about call charges)
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm
Saturday, 9.30am to 1pm
www.nationaldebtline.org
Advice and support for people with non-priority debts.
Phone: 0800 138 1111 (read about call charges)
Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturday, 8am to 4pm
www.stepchange.org
Free, face-to-face debt advice. Can help with most types of debts, including court papers.
Phone: 0208 767 2777 (read about call charges)
Open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm
https://swllc.org/get-advice/debt/
Free advice about debt and bankruptcy for people who can’t afford a solicitor and need assistance with preparing for or dealing with a court case.
Phone: 0203 745 8921 (read about call charges)
Open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm
www.rcjadvice.org.uk/
Advice about Council Tax and related issues.
Phone: 0330 0948 766 (read about call charges)
Open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 7pm
Friday, 9am to 5pm
www.counciltaxadvisors.co.uk
Debt and money advice. Book an appointment online or call if you can’t use the internet.
Phone: 0300 373 1180 (read about call charges)
Open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.00pm
www.crosslightadvice.org/help
Free, confidential advice for people who qualify for legal aid. Civil Legal Advice provide free interpretation for people who don’t speak English and can book a BSL interpreter if you’re deaf or hard of hearing.
Phone: 0345 345 4345 (read about call charges)
Minicom: 0345 609 6677
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm
Saturday, 9am to 12:30pm
www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice
Still need help?
Find out how to contact us if you haven’t been able to resolve your problem using the information above.
Please bear in mind that we are a local charity and demand for our services is high. You may have to wait to speak to one of our team and we can’t offer everyone an appointment with an adviser.