If you're struggling - we're here to help
Call the Debt Advice Service on 0300 5000 926 or email supportforyou@sng.org.uk. Alternatively complete our short form to refer yourself and we will be in touch.
We’re here to support you, with services designed to help you feel secure and build a positive future.
Managing debt can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it on your own.
This webpage explains the most common debt options we advise on, including:
- what each option is
- the benefits
- things to consider
Download our debt options guide
If you’d prefer to read this information offline or keep a copy for future reference, you can download our Debt Options guide [pdf, 332KB] 
.
Free, impartial and confidential debt advice
If you feel overwhelmed, SNG’s free Debt Advice Service can help. Our trained advisors will listen to what’s going on and guide you through the options that might work for you.
Taking the first step can feel daunting, but once you reach out, we’ll help you through the rest.
Call our team 0300 5000 926 or email supportforyou@sng.org.uk.
A 60‑day period where most creditors must pause enforcement and freeze interest, giving you time to decide your next steps.
Advantages
- Stops most enforcement for 60 days
- Gives time to consider your options
- Free to apply
Things to consider
- Only available once every 12 months
- Doesn’t cover secured debts or hire purchase
- A temporary measure, not a full solution
A protection period for people receiving mental health crisis treatment. It lasts for the duration of treatment plus 30 days.
Advantages
- Stops most enforcement throughout treatment
- Helps remove financial pressure during crisis
- Free to access
Things to consider
- Requires confirmation from a mental health professional
- Doesn’t cover secured debts or hire purchase
- Not a long‑term solution
An informal arrangement where you ask a creditor to temporarily pause action, giving you time to consider your debt options.
Advantages
- Free
- Can give you additional time to look at your debt options
Things to consider
- Not a formal agreement
- Discretionary
You offer each creditor a very small, temporary payment is agreed with each creditor (often £1 per month).
Advantages
- Only small monthly payments
- Can reduce pressure quickly
- Interest and charges may be frozen
- Free to apply
Things to consider
- May affect your credit rating
- Usually reviewed after 3–12 months
- Creditors don’t have to accept
You make slightly larger reduced payments (typically £5+ per debt), split fairly between creditors.
Advantages
- Affordable monthly payments
- May reduce enforcement risk
- Interest and charges may be frozen
- Free to apply
Things to consider
- May affect credit rating
- Temporary solution needing review
- Creditors may not agree
A third party arranges affordable payments and distributes them to your creditors.
Advantages
- One monthly payment
- May reduce creditor contact
- Informal and flexible
- Free to apply
Things to consider
- May affect your credit rating
- Interest might still be added
- No guaranteed legal protection
You use a lump sum to settle a debt, sometimes for less than the full balance.
Advantages
- Can reduce the overall amount paid
- Clears the debt quickly
- Ends contact for that debt
- Free to apply
Things to consider
- Requires a lump sum
- Partial settlements may affect credit rating
- Not all creditors accept
A court‑approved change to certain credit agreements, giving more time to pay.
Advantages
- Gives longer to repay
- Can prevent repossession of goods
Things to consider
- You must already have a County Court Judgment (CCJ)
- Limited cost savings
- Creditors and courts use this rarely
- Fee applies
The court sets one monthly payment, which it distributes to your creditors.
Advantages
- One affordable payment
- Court‑recognised protection
- A judge may reduce the debt
Things to consider
- Total debt must be under £5,000
- Requires at least one CCJ
- Affects credit rating
- Fees apply
A legally binding repayment plan lasting up to 6 years, set up by an insolvency practitioner.
Advantages
- Can write off remaining debt
- Protect any property you own
- Fixed, structured payments
Things to consider
- Long commitment
- High failure rates if payments break down
- Affects credit rating for 6 years
- Fees apply
A formal process that can write off debts completely. An official receiver manages your financial affairs during the process.
Advantages
- Full write off of any qualifying debts
- Straightforward application
- No minimum debt amount
Things to consider
- Costs £680
- Affects credit rating for 6 years
- Restrictions on some jobs
A low‑cost alternative to bankruptcy for people with low income, low assets and debt under £50,000.
Advantages
- Full write off of qualifying debts
- Free (no application fee)
- No court hearing
Things to consider
- Strict eligibility rules
- Affects credit rating for 6 years
- Not suitable if you own significant assets
An informal agreement where a creditor may choose to write off some or all of your debt, usually based on your financial circumstances.
Advantages:
- Can write off specific debts under exceptional circumstances.
- Free (no application fee)
Things to consider:
- Can impact credit rating.
- Only awarded in specific circumstances.
A request to your local council asking for council tax arrears to be reduced or written off.
Advantages
- Free to apply
- No impact on credit rating
- No negatives if refused
Things to consider
- Only applies to council tax
- Decision is discretionary
- Some councils have complex processes
Releasing money from your home to clear arrears or debts.
Advantages
- Could clear debts fully
- Uses existing assets
Things to consider
- Fees apply
- Potentially financially risky
Taking money from a private pension early to pay debts.
Advantages
- May clear arrears in full
- Gives access to cash quickly
Things to consider
- Requires professional advice
- May affect long‑term retirement income
- Can be financially risky
- Fees apply
A form that allows creditors to receive information from your healthcare professional about how your mental health affects your ability to manage debts.
Advantages
- Can support another debt option
- May pause enforcement
- Free to use
Things to consider
- Not a stand‑alone solution
- Creditor policies vary
- Needs to be written by a health care professional
Prefer to speak to someone independent?
These organisations offer free, confidential help:
- StepChange – debt advice and budgeting support
- National Debtline – specialist debt guidance
- Citizens Advice – benefits, money, and housing help
- Debt advice locator tool - find a debt advisor near you