This factsheet aims to provide some specific debt information and advice for those groups of people who are seen as vulnerable. It will offer advice for people on a very low income; benefit advice for the elderly; advice for dealing with debts for those who are facing prison; and advice those who are suffering from serious illnesses.
This factsheet explains Debt Management Plans (DMP). It will explain what a DMP is, the criteria to apply for one, what debts can and cannot be included, how your assets are treated, the advantages and disadvantages and what the DMP process involves.
This factsheet is to help you if your circumstances change and you are left with no money to pay off your debts. It provides information to determine if asking for the debt to be written off could be an option for you. It will also help you explore how to approach your creditors with a write-off request.
This factsheet explains an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA). It will cover the criteria to apply for an IVA, what debts can be included, how your assets are treated, the advantages and disadvantages of an IVA, what the IVA process involves and how we can help you apply for one.
This factsheet will help you prepare for your first appointment with a debt adviser. It will describe the process your adviser will follow in the meeting and detail what documents or information you will need to bring with you. There is a budget planner at the end of this factsheet that you should complete to the best of your ability beforehand along with a template to list your creditors. We have also included a suggested checklist so you know which documents you should bring with you.
This factsheet explains the difference between credit reports, credit referencing agencies, credit scores and credit searches. It will detail what information is held on a credit report, how to deal with being turned down for credit, how to challenge incorrect information on your credit report and provide tips on improving your credit score.
This factsheet provides information on housing related debts, such as mortgage arrears, negative equity, mortgage shortfalls, rent arrears and housing rates arrears. It also contains advice on the help you may be able to get at dealing with your housing related issue, help you negotiate with your mortgage provider or landlord and where to make a complaint.
The factsheet is to provide specific advice on payday, guarantor and doorstep loans. It will help you understand how these different forms of lending work, the common problems that often arise with, how a debt solution may affect these loans and how to help you make a complaint about these types of loan providers.
We can provide advice on a range of benefit issues. You also find out information on benefits for carers, those with disabilities, being out of work, bereavement, housing, and more.
On this page we outline some of the ways in which you can access additional support and offer advice on managing your bills in light of the current cost of living crisis. If you are still unclear about the support you might be able to access, local advice agencies and the Advice NI helplines are here to help make things clearer.
‘Move to UC’ refers to the UK government’s plan to move ‘legacy’ benefit claimants on to Universal Credit (UC). Universal Credit is designed to replace benefits such as income-based JSA and ESA, Income Support, Housing Benefit, and Child and Working Tax Credits.
The EU Settlement Scheme deadline has passed. If you still need to apply, we can provide free advice and support to assist you to make a late application.