How to use the National Debt Helpline

The National Debt Helpline, now known as the National Debtline, provides debt services to individuals across the United Kingdom. The service is free and independent. You can contact the National Debtline by telephone or email, or alternatively, you can check its website to access information online.

Contacting the National Debtline

Telephone The National Debtline’s telephone number is 0808 808 4000 and lines are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 9pm and on Saturdays between 9.30am and 1pm. Calls are free. There is also a 24-hour voice mail service and individuals can leave their details if they wish an information pack. Trained advisers answer the phone to provide confidential and independent advice. Email If you prefer not to contact the National Debtline by phone, you can use the contact form on its website to email queries and to request for information.

Factsheets

The National Debtline provides a selection of factsheets designed to assist individuals who are struggling with debt. Factsheets deal with topics such as homelessness, tenancy rights, student debt. It also provides advice on how to avoid debts at Christmas. Self-help pack The Self-help pack contains information and sample letters, including advice regarding court procedures to help to clear debts to allow a person to remain debt-free. Personal budget sheets
The National Debtline website provides both weekly and monthly proforma personal budget sheets to assist individuals to plan their budgets.

Advice on debt options

The National Debtline’s trained advisers offer a range of options for dealing with debt, including debt consolidation and insolvency services. Informal Negotiation
With the assistance of a debt adviser, you can enter into informal negotiations with your creditors to reduce some of the payments due or to increase payment periods for debts. Debt Management Plan
Alternatively, if you have three or more creditors, you may prefer to enter into a more formal debt management plan whereby you make an agreed monthly payment to a debt management company. Individual Voluntary Arrangement An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a formal court settlement where you agree to pay a certain amount towards your debts and the remainder of the debt is written off. IVAs are required to be made through a qualified insolvency practitioner and the National Debtline can provide IVA advice.