National Debtline are committed to answering your call and then discussing your debt problems with you and the options available to you.
The specialist advice that given over the telephone is backed up with written self-help materials which they can send out to you for free.
If your circumstances meet certain criteria, they can, if you are interested, assist in setting up a Debt Management Plan for you, for free.
The National Debtline opening times are: Monday - Friday 9am-9pm and Saturday 9.30am - 1pm. Phone 0808 808 4000.
What happens when you call them?
- When you call you will speak to one of their trained advisers who will discuss your circumstances with you. They may need to ask you a number of questions, to ensure that the advice they give you is accurate. They will outline the options available to you and the pros and cons of the options that you have.
- Once you have decided on a course of action they will explain to you how to take it forward.
- All our calls are treated in the strictest confidence and they will not make any judgments on your situation.
- You do not have to give them your personal details - you can remain anonymous if you wish.
If you need further advice after your first call, you are welcome to ring them again.
To protect callers' confidentiality they do not use British Telecom's 'caller display' equipment so they cannot see your number when you ring them. They also have a permanent block on the 'caller return' service. Therefore, if they ring you back our number will not be announced as the last number to ring you to anyone dialling 1471.
Your phone calls may be listed on an itemised bill, so bear this in mind if someone else may see your phone bill. Calls are welcome via the 'Typetalk' service.
They can also use an interpreter service called Language Line, allowing them to immediately access professional telephone interpreters in any of 100 languages. Interpreters are available around the clock and can be reached in just a couple of minutes to accurately translate what you and the adviser are saying to each other.
National Debtline is a member of adviceUK, awarded the Community Legal Service Quality Mark (General Help level and the Telephone Standard) and is a member of the Telephone Helplines Association.
As well as telephone advice, the National Debtline website has a range of interactive features so that you can:
- Download their information pack to deal with your debt problems.
- Use their personal budget section to work out what repayments you can afford.
- Use their suite of sample letters to write to your creditors.
- Visit their debt advice section to get information that may help you deal with your debt problem.
- Access their library of fact sheets.
- See if you can pay your debts via a Debt Management Plan (DMP)
- See if you qualify for a Debt Relief Order
- See what options you have for dealing with your debts