Is debt advice really free?

Yes, with the charities and services listed above. They are funded so you do not have to pay. If a company asks for an up-front fee for advice, stop and check them against the Financial Conduct Authority's register first.

Will getting debt advice affect my credit score?

Talking to an adviser does not affect your credit file. Some solutions, such as a debt management plan or IVA, can be recorded on it. An adviser will explain the effects before you choose.

Will the adviser judge me?

No. Debt advisers help people from all walks of life, and what you tell them is confidential. Many people get into debt after a job loss, illness, relationship breakdown or a rise in living costs.

Does Sterlingsum give debt advice?

No. Sterlingsum is an information site and is not authorised to give debt advice. We link to organisations that are. We do not receive payment from any of the services listed on this page.

Benefits you might be missing

How to check what support you could claim, and the main types to look for.

The short answer

Many people are entitled to financial support and do not claim it, often because they assume they would not qualify or are unsure where to start. A free benefits check takes a few minutes and can show help with living costs, housing, children, disability, caring and low income.

How to check

Use the GOV.UK benefits checker. It does not cover every kind of support, but it is the official starting point.
Independent calculators from charities, such as Turn2us and Entitledto, ask more detailed questions.
Have your income, savings, rent or mortgage costs and household details to hand.

Types of help to look for

Universal Credit for people on a low income, in or out of work.
Pension Credit for people over State Pension age, see Pension Credit explained.
Help with Council Tax, see Council Tax Reduction.
Help with energy bills, see the Warm Home Discount.
Help for children, such as free school meals and Healthy Start, and Child Benefit.
Disability and caring benefits, which are not means-tested in the same way.

Good to know

A claim can often affect other benefits, so check how they fit together.
Some help is paid automatically, and some you must ask for.
If your circumstances change, such as losing work or a new child, check again.
Free, confidential help to claim is available from Citizens Advice.

Where to learn more

This guide is for information only and is not benefits or financial advice. Rules and amounts can change, so check the official pages before you rely on them.