Bill prioritiser: get help with your bills

Tell your local council about your situation as soon as possible. All councils have schemes to help you manage your payments in smaller amounts.

Your local council might be able to offer:

• flexible payment plans – spread payments over 12 months instead of 10 months
• payment breaks – for example, take a break from payments in February and March - but this means your remaining payments will be spread over fewer months, so each one will be a bit higher. It’s an option, but make sure it works for your budget.
• reduction and relief – if you’re receiving benefits or on a low income
• Council Tax, or Rates, discounts – if you live alone or are the only adult in your home.

You may also qualify for government support to help with rising costs. 

Let them know as soon as possible if you can’t pay on time. You may be able to agree on a payment plan.

If you expect the situation to continue and you’ll struggle to pay, talk to a free debt adviser as soon as possible. A debt adviser can help you find a way forward, even if money is tight.

You might be eligible for benefits like Universal Credit or a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) to help cover rent.

Get housing advice immediately to understand your rights and options. Read about:

• eviction and your rights if you live in EnglandOpens in a new window on Shelter
• eviction and your rights if you live in ScotlandOpens in a new window on Shelter Scotland
• eviction and your rights if you live in WalesOpens in a new window on Shelter Cymru
• eviction and your rights if you live in Northern IrelandOpens in a new window on nidirect.

It’s important to get in touch with your lender as soon as possible. Your lender must treat you fairly and may be able to offer options like giving you more time to pay by extending your mortgage. Reaching out early gives you more chances to get help.

Pay what you can, even a small amount is better than nothing, to reduce arrears.

Think about when you can return to making full payments or pay extra to catch up.

As well as speaking to your lender, get support from one of the many free debt advice charities and organisations. They can help you talk through your situation and provide information on solutions.

You may have mortgage protection insurance that covers payments if you’re out of work due to accident, illness or redundancy. Find out more about checking if you have insurance cover.

It’s important to speak to your supplier early, as they must work with you to agree on an affordable plan, including:

• reviewing existing payment plans
• payment breaks or reductions
• more time to pay
• access to hardship funds or grants. 

The yearly figure is based on a household with typical usage. You could pay more or less than this, depending on how much energy you use.

You might qualify for:

You could get £150 off your electricity bill under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. To qualify for the discount, you must either get Pension Credit or be on a low income and receive certain means-tested benefits. You can still qualify for the discount if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter. The discount isn’t available in Northern Ireland. For most, the Warm Home Discount is automatically applied to your bills in the autumn each year.

If you qualify and live in a park home or live in Scotland and qualify because of a low income, you will need to apply for the discount, more details about the Warm Home Discount Scheme for ScotlandOpens in a new window are available on GOV.UK.

To find out whether you qualify, you can call the government Warm Home Discount phone line on 0800 030 9322. On GOV.UK there’s more information about the Warm Home Discount SchemeOpens in a new window

If you were born on or before 27 June 1960 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills. This should be paid to you automatically. You don’t need to claim it.

If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you’ll only get the Winter Fuel Payment (worth up to £300) if:

• you’re above State Pension ageOpens in a new window, and
• claiming a means-tested benefit like Pension Credit or Universal Credit.

Use our Benefits calculator to quickly check if you qualify for any benefits or grants.

In Scotland, everyone who qualifies for Winter Fuel Payments will get the same support under the new Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

If you’re not already claiming Pension Credit, you can find out if you qualifyOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.

Find out how to claim the Winter Fuel PaymentOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.

You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you’re getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days. You’ll get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March.

Check if you can get a cold weather payment in your areaOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.

If you live in Northern Ireland, find out if you’re eligible for Cold Weather Payment and how to claimOpens in a new window on nidirect.

If you can’t top up, request emergency credit from your supplier. Some food banks also provide meter top-up vouchers (you’ll need a referral from places including local advice centres, your GP or a support worker).

For 2026/27, Child Winter Heating Assistance is a £265.50 annual payment to help disabled children and young peopleOpens in a new window under 19 years old and their families living in Scotland. If there is more than one child or young person who qualifies in the household, they each get a payment.

Find out how to claim a Disabled Facilities GrantOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.

In Northern Ireland, find out more about Disabled Facilities GrantsOpens in a new window on nidirect.

You may be eligible for Priority Services Register benefits if you:

• have a disability or health condition
• are elderly
• are pregnant
• have young children
• have limited ability to speak or read English.

Find out more about the Priority Services RegisterOpens in a new window and what support you could get on the Ofgem website.

Use the Citizens Advice Extra Help UnitOpens in a new window They can help with bill disputes or other problems paying your bill.

Call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline free on 0808 223 1133, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

To contact a Welsh-speaking adviser, call 0808 223 1144.

If you have hearing loss, you can use Relay UK to call the consumer helpline using an app or textphone. Find out how to use Relay UKOpens in a new window

The Discretionary Assistance Fund is a grant to help pay for essential costs such as gas and electricity if you:

• are experiencing extreme financial hardship
• have lost your job
• have applied for benefits and are waiting for your first payment.

You can apply for the  Discretionary Assistance FundOpens in a new window on GOV.WALES.

You can use Advice Direct Scotland’s serviceOpens in a new window on energyadvice.scot or call them free on 0808 196 8660.

If you have a vulnerability, the Northern Ireland Electricity Networks can support and make sure you get the help you needOpens in a new window

You can also find out more information about energyOpens in a new window on the NI Housing Executive website.

If you have a family-based arrangement, try to reach an agreement first with your ex-partner.

Be honest about your finances and discuss reducing payments temporarily, with a plan to return to normal later. If you can’t come to an agreement, the Child Maintenance Service can help. Find out moreOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.

If your income has dropped by 25% or more, contact the CMS so they can reassess your payments. They charge a fee for this service.

If your income hasn’t fallen that much, you must keep paying the full amount.

If you’re worried about paying your TV Licence, TV Licensing will help you set up an affordable repayment plan.

You may also qualify for a reduced rate if you’re over 75 or registered blind.

Call them on 0300 555 0300 or check TV LicensingOpens in a new window 

Before you cancel, be aware that you won’t be able to watch live TV or BBC iPlayer at home. Check the rules on what you can and can’t do without a TV LicenceOpens in a new window

If you need to cancel your TV Licence, call TV Licensing on:

• 0300 790 6068 – if you pay by Direct Debit or in one go.
• 0300 555 0300 – if you pay by TV Licensing card.

If you don’t watch TV (or watch anything on BBC iPlayer) and only listen to the radio (including BBC radio), you don’t need a TV Licence. For everything else, you do. Remember watching TV without a licence is illegal.

If you’re struggling to pay, you can apply to change the court order. Depending on your situation, you may be able to:

• pay in smaller instalments, or
• stop payments completely if you’ve lost your job (proof required).

You can find the fines officer’s contact details on your court letters.

Sometimes you might be asked to attend a court hearing to decide what to do. Make sure you attend otherwise they could increase the fine, send bailiffs or other enforcement action.

Call HMRC as soon as possible if you:

• miss a tax deadline
• know you won’t be able to pay on time.

Before calling, update your personal tax account via the HMRC appOpens in a new window or your personal or business tax accountOpens in a new window online.

• Work out your income and any risks to it.
• Make a budget covering essentials and priority debts.
• Decide what you can afford to pay monthly.
• Calculate how long it will take to clear the debt.
• Gather details of other debts and savings.

If HMRC rejects your plan, they’ll suggest another repayment arrangement.

If you’re on a low income, visit for TaxAid website for helpOpens in a new window If you’re over 60 and on a low income, Tax Help for Older PeopleOpens in a new window offer help and advice.

You may set up a Time to Pay plan via Government Gateway if you:

• filed your latest return
• owe less than £30,000
• are within 60 days of the deadline
• can repay within 12 months.

If you owe over £30,000 or need more time, call:

If repaying tax credits leaves you unable to cover essential costs or other debts, you can ask to reduce and spread out your payments.

If you think HMRC made a mistake, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration within 30 days of the decision. This applies if:

• your tax credits were refused, stopped, or underpaid
• you were told you were overpaid when you weren’t
• your claim was backdated incorrectly.

If repayments leave you unable to cover essential costs, ask DWP to reduce or pause them.

You may get a three-month pause for a new claim or one month for a change in circumstances.

Log into your online account and add a note to your journal or call DWP Debt Management.

If you think DWP made a mistake, ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the decision. You need this before you can appeal.

Payments stop automatically if your income drops below the threshold, for example, if you lose your job.

If you’re self-employed, declare your student loan on your tax return. Your repayments are based on total income.

If overpayments continue after clearing your loan, ask Student Loan Company for a refund.

Remember, student loans do not go on credit files. But if you’re taking out a big loan, such as a mortgage, lenders will ask if you have one when assessing affordability.Opens in a new window

Remember, student loans do not go on credit files. But if you’re taking out a big loan, such as a mortgage, lenders will ask if you have one when assessing affordability.

They may let you extend the agreement or repay arrears over time.

Lenders must support financially struggling customers. Under the Consumer Credit Act, if you fall behind on payments, your lender must:

• give you time to catch up before taking action
• send regular statements and arrears notices.

If you’ve paid less than a third, the lender can take back the item.

If you’ve paid more than a third, they need a court order to repossess or make you pay.

Missed payments may also lead to a default notice, affecting your credit score.

You can return the goods at any time by writing to your lender. Depending on what you’ve paid:

• 50% or more: no further payments.
• Less than 50%: you may still owe money.
• No refunds for payments already made.

But you must voluntarily terminate your agreement. You may wish to seek advice before doing this.

This could be possible but speaking to a trained and experienced debt adviser about your situation can help you see what the best decision for you might be. Find a free debt adviser near you.

Start by finding out what kind of car finance agreement you’re on. Our guide, If you can’t afford your car payments, explains your options including:

• help with budgeting and debt
• how to speak to your car finance company
• ending your car finance deal early
• ending a Personal Contract Hire (PCH) lease early
• what to do if you miss a payment
• how to ask for a refund or compensation.

It’s never too late to ask for support. Find their contact details on your bill or website. Help may include:

• payment breaks or deferral
• social tariffs for low-income households
• adjusted payment plans
• advice on benefits and debt management
• access to charitable grants
• debt matching – where water companies match your repayments to clear debt.

Pay only for what you use. This is ideal for larger homes with fewer people.

Use the Consumer Council for Water’s calculatorOpens in a new window to see if switching to a meter saves you money. If you do decide to switch, contact your water company.

Priority Service Registration is a free scheme for those with health, access, or communication needs. Contact your supplier to check eligibility.

In England and Wales, if you’re receiving certain benefits with a water meter, you may qualify for discount. Find more help with billsOpens in a new window on the CCW website.

In Scotland, water is usually paid through Council Tax. See mygov.scot to find out more about discounts, exemptions and reductionsOpens in a new window

• PCN (Penalty Charge Notice) are issued by the council on public land, for example, council car parks.
• FPN (Fixed Penalty Notice) are issued by the police.
• Parking Charge Notice are issued by private operators, often in shopping centres.

Contact the council or parking operator if you’re struggling to pay. Councils may offer extensions or payment plans.

If you’ve had multiple parking fines, councils may set up a payment plan. Explain what you can afford.

If you think a fine is unfair, you can appeal within 28 days. If appealed within 14 days, you may only pay half the fine.

Private fines can be appealed to the Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA)Opens in a new window

Follow the steps on your ticket as appeal rules can vary.

• Stop using your card.
• Create a budget to see if you can free up any cash.
• Set up a Direct Debit for at least the minimum payment.
• Avoid using your card for cash withdrawals or credit card cheques.
• If you have a good credit rating, see if you can transfer your balance to a card with a 0% or cheaper interest rate.

If you owe money on more than one credit card, pay off the card with the highest interest rate first. Speaking to a trained and experienced debt adviser about your situation can help you see what the best decision for you might be. Find out where to get free, confidential help now.

Make sure you continue paying at least the minimum payment on each card. Otherwise, missed payments will lead to extra fees and could damage your credit rating.

Transferring your balance allows you to move outstanding credit from one card to another so you:

• pay less interest or no interest on what you currently owe
• simplify your finances by combining multiple monthly payments into one.

This might not be a good option if you have a poor credit rating as you may not get offered a 0% deal or if you have other debts that you owe.

If you think it’s an option, before you apply check:

• when the lower interest rate period ends
• if there any limits to the amount you can transfer
• if you’ll have to pay fees.

Apply for a new low or 0% interest credit card. You’ll be asked if you want to transfer balances from other cards when you’re accepted or ask your existing credit card provider to arrange a transfer.

You’ll need:

• the details of the card you want to transfer
• the card number and the provider
• the balance you want to transfer.

If you’re struggling to pay, they may offer a realistic payment plan by:

• changing your payment due dates
• reducing the interest rate on your card
• extending the repayment term.

Remember that this support might impact your credit record and your ability to get credit in the future.

Charges for going into overdraft can be as much as 40% interest on what you owe. Keep a track of your account balance to avoid overdraft charges.

You can:

• download your bank’s app if you have a smartphone
• set up alerts for when your balance is low
• use telephone banking
• request a mini-statement from an ATM or your local branch
• read all letters from your bank.

It’s important to check all letters, as the bank might be writing to tell you about a change to your overdraft limit or increase to your overdraft interest rate.

You can switch your bank account and overdraft to a new provider using the Current Account Switch Service.

If you’re at risk of overdraft, contact your bank or building society. Explain your situation, especially if you’re vulnerable.

Lenders must work with you to create a repayment plan before you miss a payment. Your lender may:

• reduce or stop interest on arrears
• be flexible with repayment amounts or terms
• allow you to pay less or nothing for a period
• help you set up a payment plan.

Remember, any arrangement may affect your credit rating.

If you have a good credit score, you might transfer your loan balance to an interest-free or low-interest credit card.

Be careful of fees and make sure you can pay off the balance before the interest rate increases, which could result in higher debt than before.

Avoid spending on the card, as cash withdrawals are costly.

This option may not work if your credit rating is poor.

They must offer help, including:

• directing you to free debt advice
• allowing extra time to repay, and
• possibly freezing interest or charges.

Talk to your lender first. If they won’t help and you’re struggling to afford essentials, you can cancel the payment by telling your bank you no longer agree to it.

This might lead to extra charges, but it can help you cover your basic needs.

If the payment still goes through after you’ve cancelled it, complain to your bank and ask for a refund.

Extending your loan increases charges and interest. Instead, seek debt advice and explore other repayment options.

Save emails, letters, and call details as proof of communication in case you need to file a complaint.

Contact your creditor before missing a payment. They may offer:

• support before you miss payments
• flexible repayment options
• consideration of your full financial situation
• fair repayment time without pressure
• protection from escalating debt
• special support if you’re vulnerable.

Taking on multiple Buy Now, Pay Later agreements at once can make it easy to lose track of what you owe and miss repayment dates. Try to keep agreements to a minimum and only use them for essential purchases.

If you’re using them because other credit options are maxed out, see our guide Living on a squeezed income for ways to cut costs.

Always try to pay more than the minimum balance to clear your debt faster and reduce interest costs. Paying only the minimum can also hurt your credit rating.

If possible, set up a Direct Debit to avoid late fees. If your income varies, consider making manual payments to prevent failed Direct Debit charges.

Store cards have high interest rates, so moving your balance to a 0% or low-interest credit card can help, if you have a good credit rating.

Compare deals, as longer 0% periods often come with transfer fees.

Choose a card that gives you enough time to repay with the lowest fee.

Pay off the balance before the 0% period ends to avoid interest charges.

If you need help, tell your provider as soon as possible.

Many providers can help you by:

• changing your bill date
• setting up an affordable repayment plan, or
• moving you to a different tariff.

If you’re considering sending your mobile contract early, find out if you have to pay a fee. You can text INFO to 85075 to find out if you’re still in contract.

Some providers offer low-cost plans to help you make mobile calls and get online if you’re getting certain benefits. Find out more from industry regulator, OfcomOpens in a new window

Your provider shouldn’t disconnect you if you’re struggling. Contact them and they may:

• change your bill date
• offer a repayment plan
• move you to a cheaper tariff
• remove data caps.

Some providers offer low-cost plans to help you make mobile calls and get online if you’re getting certain benefits, including:

• Universal Credit
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance.

If you’re looking for work, you can apply through your work coach for a voucher to exchange for free broadband from TalkTalk. Ask your Jobcentre Plus work coachOpens in a new window if you can apply.

The UK National Databank offers free mobile internet data for up to 12 months to people who can’t afford it and often also experience multiple inequalities.

They may offer:

• a payment plan
• reduce your bill
• give you more time to pay
• increase your data or download limit
• moving you to a better-suited contract.

If you can’t afford services like Netflix or Spotify, check your contract terms – you may be able to cancel without a penalty.

Be honest and avoid ignoring the issue. They may offer help or extra time.

Create a budget to show what you can afford and agree on a repayment plan that works for both of you.

If the person is charging excessive interest, making threats, or withholding items like your passport or bank card, they are acting as an illegal loan shark.  Get confidential help from Stop Loan Sharks on 0300 555 2222.

The pawnbroker may agree to extend the deadline, but they don’t have to.

If you borrowed up to £75: the item automatically belongs to the pawnbroker if you don’t repay.

If you borrowed more than £75: the pawnbroker can sell the item but must try to get a fair price. If they sell it for more than what you owe (after costs), they must give you the surplus.

If the loan was more than £100, they must notify you before selling.

For loans up to £75, ask the pawnbroker for a ‘standard form’ to confirm ownership.

For larger loans, you may need to sign a statutory declaration, which could involve fees.

If you believe your item was sold for too little, gather proof of its value and complain in writing to the pawnbroker.

If unresolved within eight weeks, take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)Opens in a new window

You can also go to the Small Claims Court, but this involves fees and risks. If unresolved within eight weeks, take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)Opens in a new window