Debt health-check triage
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Not sure where to start with debt? Answer three short questions about priority bills, unsecured debt and whether you can afford minimum payments. We will point you to free UK advice services and relevant Money Guide reading — no sign-up, no product sales.
This triage tool does not store your answers and is not financial advice. It points you to free, regulated UK help based on your situation.
You may be able to self-manage — but keep monitoring
If priority bills are up to date and you can afford minimum payments, focus on paying more than the minimum on your most expensive debt, building a small emergency fund, and checking your credit report for errors. Re-run this check if your situation changes.
Recommended next steps
Money Guide reading
How it works
- You tell us whether you are behind on priority bills (rent, mortgage, council tax, energy), your approximate unsecured debt level, and whether minimum payments are affordable.
- The tool applies simple triage rules used by debt charities: priority debts always come first; court action triggers urgent referral; unaffordable unsecured debt may need a formal solution discussed with a free adviser.
- Results link to StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice, plus Money Guide sub-guides on arrears, IVAs, DROs and budgeting. Nothing you enter is stored.
Common questions
- Is this tool financial advice?
- No. It is a signposting triage only. For a recommendation tailored to your circumstances, speak to StepChange, National Debtline or Citizens Advice — all free.
- What counts as a priority debt?
- Rent and mortgage arrears, council tax, gas and electricity arrears, magistrates' court fines, child maintenance and some tax debts. Credit cards and personal loans are usually non-priority.
- Should I use a fee-charging debt management company?
- Money Guide recommends free charities first. Fee-charging firms often arrange the same solutions you can access free through StepChange or National Debtline.