What can I do if I have a debt I cannot pay?

You have a number of options, including the following:

• Pay reduced and affordable payments,
• Offer a lump sum,
• Ask the lender to write off the debt,
• Apply for a debt relief order, or
• Apply for bankruptcy.

Not all of these options will be right for you, as it depends on your situation. The following things could affect your decision:

• Your income,
• The amount of money you owe,
• The type of debt you have, and
• The value of your home and other expensive belongings.

You can get free advice on debt issues from:

Citizens Advice Bureau

CABNI provide free, confidential advice and support. You can contact their free Helpline.

Telephone: 0800 028 1881 
(Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)

You can contact the Belfast Head Office to enquire about face-to-face advice in one of the local CAB offices.

Telephone: 028 9023 1120

Email via website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/nireland/

StepChange

StepChange provide free, confidential advice and support to anyone worried about debt. You can contact them over the telephone or online.

Telephone: 0800 138 1111 
(Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm)

Email via website: www.stepchange.org/Contactus/Sendusanemail.aspx

Website: https://www.stepchange.org/DebtadviceinNorthernIreland.aspx

Advice NI

Advice NI provide free telephone debt advice.

Telephone: 0808 801 0665 
(Monday to Wednesday 9.30-3.30)

Website: https://www.adviceni.net/advice/debt