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How to prioritise and reduce your debts, and where to get free debt advice

• Updated: 21 December 2017

Alternatives to bankruptcy and the different types of agreements you can make with your creditors.

• Overview

  If you owe people money (your ‘creditors’) you can make arrangements to…

• Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme)

  If you live in England or Wales, you can get temporary protection from…

• Debt Management Plans

  A Debt Management Plan is an agreement between you and your creditors to…

• Administration orders

  An administration order is a way to deal with debt if you have a county…

• Individual Voluntary Arrangements

  An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is an agreement with your…

• Debt Relief Orders

  Debt Relief Orders (DROs) are one way to deal with your debts if you: owe…

Financial help if you're disabled - benefits, housing costs, council tax, vehicle tax exemption, TV Licence, motability schemes, VAT relief

• Overview

  There is a wide range of disability-related financial support, including…

• Disability and sickness benefits

  If you’re living with a health condition or disability, or caring for…

• Vehicles and transport

  You’ll need to meet the legal obligations for drivers before you can…

• Home and housing

  Direct payments - arranging your own care and services If you’ve been…

• On a low income

  Universal Credit You may be able to get Universal Credit if you’re on a…

• Television licence discount

  You can get 50% off the cost of your TV licence if either: you’re…

• VAT relief for disabled people

  If you’re disabled or have a long-term illness, you will not be charged…

• Work-related injuries or illness

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit You may be entitled to get…

• Armed forces compensation

  You can claim for compensation if while serving in the armed forces: you…

Get free, confidential and independent advice on dealing with debt problems across the UK - telephone, fax, opening hours, website

Highlighting common difficulties faced by the services’ mobile population in acquiring credit and offers advice on how to overcome these.

• Updated: 15 June 2020

Find out what help you can get to help you manage your debts.

Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) helps homeowners on certain benefits pay interest on loans or mortgages - what you'll get, eligibility and how to claim.

Apply for financial support if you need an advance or hardship payment before your next Universal Credit payment.

Contact HM Revenue and Customs if you cannot pay your tax bill - get more time to pay or pay in instalments.

FCDO travel advice for Venezuela. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

• Updated: 5 January 2026