Is your debt decreasing each month or are you finding it increasing? If it is increasing, or you are struggling to make payments then it might be worth seeking help. Being open and where necessary, seeking help about your debt is the best start. Ignoring it will only make it worse.

Debt advice can be sought from any of the following organisations:

• StepChange - Here, you can access free expert debt advice through their online debt help too. You can also ring Step Change for help completing the questions.
• Citizens Advice - Here, you can access specific advice on a range of topics such as managing a mortgage, pensions and borrowing money.
• Money Helper - Here, you can get free confidential advice in a variety of ways, speak to an adviser via webchat or whatsapp and complete their self-referral webform

For more ways to find free, expert advice on dealing with debt, and help managing your money, visit Barking and Dagenham Money.

Debt and Mental Health

Being in debt can be stressful and impact your mental health.  Moneysavingsexpert.com have produced this useful guide about mental health and debt and they also run an online forum where you can talk to other people in debt and get advice and support.

Home and Money Hubs

You can receive in-person help from staff at two hubs in the borough.

Home and Money Hubs

Sometimes you can fall in to debt with the council, mainly through missed council tax and rent payments. Ignoring this will only make it worse.

Debt to the council

Sometimes you can fall in to debt with the council, mainly through missed council tax and rent payments. Ignoring this will only make it worse.

Rent arrears

Rent arrears are important to address, because letting them get worse could lead to eviction. If this happens you are unlikely to be eligible for council or other social housing.

If you have an eviction notice because of rent arrears please call us on 020 8724 8323.

Council Tax debt

Your possessions can be taken by bailiffs and deductions made from your wages or benefits.

If you have already moved onto Universal Credit or soon will be, don't forget you must still claim Council Tax Support from the council. Universal Credit does not include an amount for Council Tax.

Make sure you get your claim to us or you may find yourself in arrears with extra costs to pay.

Please visit our council tax pages for information on how to pay and other information related to your council tax.