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Last updated:
19/10/2018

Which bills are most important to pay first?

  1. Understanding your options
  2. Speaking on my behalf
  3. Claiming benefits
  4. Tax credits
  5. What is Lasting Power of Attorney?
  6. What is a Court of Protection appointed Deputy?
  7. Which bills are most important to pay first?

There are some bills that have to be paid which are more important than others. If these payments are not made you will find yourself at risk of losing something important. For example, if rent isn't paid there is a risk of eviction, or if the electricity isn't paid there is a risk of disconnection. These payments are called ‘priority payments’.

Here are some further examples:

Priority payment

Consequence of not paying

Mortgage or secured loan

Repossession of the property

Rent

Evicted from the property

Council tax

Liability Order leading to an Attachment of Earnings, Deduction from benefits, Enforcement Agent taking seizing goods or imprisonment

Gas or electricity bill

Disconnection of your gas or electricity

Court fees and fines

Imprisonment

Child maintenance

Imprisonment or disqualification from driving if you refuse to pay

Hire purchase

Repossession of your hire purchase goods

Television licence

Court fees and fines

Payments to credit cards, unsecured loans, catalogues, overdrafts and store cards are not seen as priority payments.

Payments to credit cards, unsecured loans, catalogues, overdrafts and store cards are not seen as priority payments. Missing payments to these can affect your credit rating, which would make it harder to get credit in the future. However, there is no immediate risk of losing something if these debts are not paid.

If someone else is dealing with your money for you, it is important they make sure your priority bills are paid before paying any other debts. If you don’t have enough money to pay your important bills or the minimum payments to your debts you should seek advice from a money adviser.

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Within this subject

  1. Understanding your options
  2. Speaking on my behalf
  3. Claiming benefits
  4. Tax credits
  5. What is Lasting Power of Attorney?
  6. What is a Court of Protection appointed Deputy?
  7. Which bills are most important to pay first?
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