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Are you in Debt?

Debt is something that can affect everyone at different stages in their life. There are many causes of debt – personal, social, economic and access to credit. Some of the reasons we get into debt are outside our control, for example the death of a partner, redundancy, illness, poverty and so on.

Often we deny or refuse to accept that we are in debt and have feelings of panic, hopelessness, shame and depression.

Not all debt is bad but if you feel you are at risk of losing control of your financial affairs or already have then it is important that you get free, independent help that you can trust so that the problem can be dealt with immediately. The advice provided by your local independent advice centre is free and confidential.

When you go to get help you will need to bring some information with you:

  • Name, address, and telephone number (or where you can be contacted)
  • Name, addresses, account numbers of all creditors, including family or friends if appropriate
  • Details of each debt and whether it is in joint names
  • Details of action creditors have taken, including any legal action
  • Details of members of clients household
  • Details of your employment situation
  • Details of your earned income
  • Details of any benefits you receive
  • Details of any other income e.g. occupational pension, rent from a lodger
  • Details of your housing situation
  • Value of any house owned by the client and any equity (difference between the value of the house and the amount of the mortgage)
  • Details of the household expenditure