If you cannot top up energy or buy food, this needs urgent support first.
When bills are overdue, the aim is not to fix everything at once. The aim is to protect the essentials and get one safe next step.
If there is immediate danger, risk of harm, or you feel unsafe, call 999. If you need someone to talk to now, Samaritans are available on 116 123.
If bills are overdue, do not panic-switch, cancel essential services, or ignore enforcement letters. Get advice and ask for support.
If you cannot top up energy or buy food, this needs urgent support first.
Do not ignore letters. Ask the council or advice service what hold, reduction or support route exists.
Free debt advice can help you prioritise and stop everything feeling equally urgent.
If needed for benefits, work, school, caring or disability support, tell the provider before cancelling.
Not always. Priority depends on consequences. Housing, council tax, energy, food and court/enforcement letters often need earlier attention.
MoneyHelper, Citizens Advice, StepChange and National Debtline can help. Avoid paying for debt advice before checking free routes.
Use webchat, email, online forms or ask for reasonable adjustments/accessibility support where available.
Use the Savings Finder if you want scripts, documents, support routes and a smaller first step.