From advice service MoneyHelper
Many of us find it difficult to manage a range of bills at times, and we do not want anyone to suffer in silence, we are here to support you and your family at any time.
The Government’s Money and Pensions Service via our customer facing service MoneyHelper, is a free, independent, and impartial way to access high quality money and pensions guidance right throughout your life. Visit www.moneyhelper.org.uk or call us on 0800 138 7777 to speak in confidence to one of our money guidance professionals.
Sometimes it can be a challenge to cope with all the different bills and costs we deal with in life.
The consequences of missing certain bills can be more severe than if you fall behind on other types. Our Bill Prioritiser can help you organise your bills and payments, but firstly, if you are finding it difficult to make repayments on time, it is time to look at your outgoings and any debts and split them into the following categories:
Debt emergencies - if you are facing a sudden debt emergency, such as court action – action from bailiffs – utility disconnection – potential eviction, it is vital to seek free, independent, and impartial debt advice. MoneyHelper can help you here.
Priority debts - these carry the most serious consequences if not paid. They may not be the biggest bills or carry high interest rates, but if not paid they could lead to bailiff action, court action, heating or lighting being disconnected or even losing your home.
- Court fines - council tax - TV licence - child maintenance - gas and electricity bills
- Income Tax, NI or VAT, payments owed to DWP or HMRC
- Mortgage, rent or loans secured on your home
- Hire Purchase agreements, especially for essential items
Non-priority debts - the consequences of missing non-priority bills are less serious but could still lead to action such as bailiff or court action.
- Overdrafts - personal loans - bank/BS loans - water & sewerage bills
- Credit and store card debts or payday loans
- Catalogue, home credit or in-store credit debt
- Money borrowed from friends or family
Bill Prioritiser Tool – our free help can assist you to put your bills in the right order, and provide guidance on how to deal with them. If you’re struggling to pay it will tell you in two easy steps what to do before you miss a payment. Tell us which bills you are having difficulty with and we can help you to prioritise your bills and get the help you need before you miss a payment.