The advice team receives thousands of calls each week from the public who need monthly budgeting advice or who have been turned down for a debt consolidation loan or re-mortgage. There are many reasons why people get into debt such as credit card or store card debt or even debt after a death in the family. Some callers have debt arising from divorce, separation or single parenthood. For this reason we have advice teams dedicated to these situations.

Getting into debt can be caused by a unforeseen event such as debt arising from disability, debt from ill health or injury or even debt from redundancy or loss of work. Through these difficult time callers can get into debt from personal or secured loans, car financing or mortgages. Many callers have mail order debt or are unable to keep up monthly payments on credit cards and loans and are being chased for late payments as a result. If this is the situation the advice can help provide accurate debt advice.

Please call 0800 074 6918 for debt arising from Mortgages and mortgage related debt problems

Mortgage arrears or payment difficulties advice service

If you can't meet your mortgage repayments, or you're worried you might fall behind, it's important to contact your lender as soon as possible. Lenders have procedures for tackling payment difficulties and they'll try to help.

Contact your lender and agree a plan

Mortgage lenders are keen to help their customers sort out any payment difficulties. Also, the law says they must treat you fairly and take your circumstances into account. They may be able to come to a payment arrangement with you.

If you took out your mortgage on or after October 31 2004

The Financial Service Authority (FSA) regulates most mortgages taken out from this date. Under FSA rules lenders must treat you fairly and send you regular statements to keep you informed about your current arrears position. There are also rules covering what the lender must do if it intends to repossess your home.

If you don't keep up your repayments

It's very important that you don't ignore any payment problems. Mortgages are 'priority debts', which you should pay off first as your lender could repossess your home and sell it to get their money.

Working out how much you can afford

Your lender can help you work out how much you can afford, but you may prefer to do this yourself. A good starting point is to write down all your income and outgoings (apart from the mortgage) and see what you've got left. The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has an online budget calculator you can use.

If you've lost your job or can't work because of illness

If you've lost your job or you're too ill to work, check whether you've got 'mortgage protection insurance' to cover your payments. The insurance payments may not start straight away - so contact your insurer as soon as possible.

Benefits that might increase your income

It's worth checking if you're entitled to benefits such as Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or Council Tax Benefit.  They can make a real difference to your income and help with your mortgage payments.

To contact an advisor call 0800 074 6918. Alternatively complete an online enquiry form on the left hand side of the site and an advisor will call you back at the time that you specify.