Debt help for single parents
Debt help and advice for single parents is available 24 hours a day on 0800 0789 544
Research from E-insolvency has shown that Single parent households are the most common sector seeking debt help in the UK. Living alone is more expensive than sharing the bills. If you’re a parent, the costs can enormous.
- E-insolvency understand that single parents are often are on a low household income and generally find it harder to survive on a day to day basis than due parent households.
- It is dreadfully expensive raising children alone, and it is easy to drift further and further into debt.
- For many single parents, looking after children alone is stressful enough, but a very large number will also face real pressure when it comes to handling money.
- This section of the site is designed to provide real hope, and practical advice, to the many single parents who are currently struggling with their finances.
Managing Single Parent Debt
Acknowledge the problem of single parent debt
If you are afraid to open letters, answer the phone or open the door, it is time to get help. Ignoring the debt will make you feel the situation is out of control and may also make you dread what tomorrow might bring.
Facing up to the problem can be a frightening thought but it is the first step towards doing something about it.
Get advice if you are a single parent in debt
You will need to contact your creditors, but you should speak to a specialist money adviser first. Contact one of the organisations for free expert advice. They will not judge you and can help and support you through the following steps. Whatever you do, don’t go to any organisation that charges you for its advice.
Check that you are liable to pay the debt if you are single parent
A specialist money adviser (see above) can do this. You should especially get advice if a debt is not in your name or is a joint debt with an ex or deceased partner or if you have not paid the debt or contacted the creditor within the last six years. Maximise your income if you are a single parent in debt by making sure you are claiming all the benefits available.
Other single parent organisations
One Parent Families | Gingerbread
Phone: 0800 018 5026 (Lone Parent Helpline)
Website: www.oneparentfamilies.org.uk
Free information for lone parents on benefits, work, education, holidays, children, relationship breakdown and child maintenance. Also provides information on other helpful organisations and lone parent groups throughout the UK, and offers a membership scheme.
Dads UK
Phone: 07092 391 489
Website: www.dads-uk.co.uk
Information, advice, email and telephone support for lone fathers and details of local contacts. Also has an online forum, which can put you in touch with other lone fathers. Free membership.
Single Parents Action Network (SPAN)
UK Phone: 0117 9514231
Website: www.singleparents.org.uk
Network of self-help organisations for single parents. Also provides an advice, information and signposting service to lone parents and can offer help to those wanting to set up a new self-help group.
A Guide for single parents with debt
Phone: 0800 074 6818
Website: http://www.bankruptcy-insolvency.co.uk/debt_special_situations/single-parents-debt.htm
Bankruptcy-Insolvency.co.uk offer debt help and advice on debt management for single parents, debt counselling and general money advice. They realise that single parents suffer more from debt than other family types, with household bills often causing the biggest problems. Most single parents are working but on separation or divorce, mothers and children usually see a fall in income which can put them into debt. Single parents and their children and lone parents are more likely to be in debt to money lenders and other home collection credit providers than other double income households.
If you feel you need more help the advice team is available 7 days a week , 24 hours a day (including bank holidays).
