You're not alone. Help is available for people struggling with both debt and mental health issues
If you're having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please seek immediate help:
0300 123 3393
Mental health support and advice on dealing with debt-related stress
116 123
24/7 emotional support for anyone in distress or struggling to cope
You have specific rights and protections when dealing with debt while experiencing mental health difficulties
60 days legal protection from creditor contact and enforcement action for those in mental health crisis treatment
Stops creditor pressure while you get support
Register with credit agencies to flag vulnerability - creditors will be notified to treat you appropriately
Creditors adjust communication approach
All FCA-regulated firms must have policies to identify and support vulnerable customers including mental health
Right to adjusted communication methods
Financial Conduct Authority rules require firms to treat vulnerable customers fairly with forbearance
Legal requirement for appropriate treatment
To access these protections, you need to inform creditors and debt collectors about your mental health condition in writing. Where possible, include supporting evidence from your doctor, mental health professional, or support worker. This triggers their duty to treat you appropriately under FCA regulations.
Yes, debt can significantly impact mental health with strong links to anxiety, depression, and stress disorders. The constant worry about money, fear of creditor contact, and inability to meet financial obligations can trigger or worsen mental health problems. This creates a vicious cycle where debt worsens mental health, which in turn makes managing finances more difficult.
While you cannot get an IVA solely because you have a mental health condition, mental health problems can be a relevant factor when considering an IVA. Mental health issues that affect your ability to work or manage finances may mean lower affordable payments can be proposed. It's important to ensure you have capacity to understand and enter into the IVA agreement.
Dealing with debt while experiencing anxiety requires a gentle, step-by-step approach with professional support. Contact free debt advice charities who are trained to help people with mental health difficulties and can break tasks into small steps. Tell creditors about your mental health condition and access mental health support through your GP or charities like Mind or Samaritans.
Having mental health issues does not automatically stop bailiffs from visiting, but bailiffs must follow strict rules when dealing with vulnerable people. You should inform the bailiff company in writing about your mental health condition with supporting evidence from your doctor, and under regulations, bailiffs must treat vulnerable people with appropriate consideration. You can also apply for a Breathing Space moratorium which gives 60 days legal protection from enforcement action.
Free debt advice charities all have advisors trained in supporting people with mental health conditions. Mental health charities like Mind and Rethink Mental Illness offer advice on dealing with debt's impact on mental health. The Breathing Space scheme provides 60 days protection from creditor contact and enforcement action specifically for those receiving mental health crisis treatment.
Yes, debt collectors can still contact you if you have depression, but UK regulations require them to treat people fairly and with forbearance when aware of mental health conditions. You should write to creditors and debt collectors informing them of your depression with supporting evidence from your doctor and request specific adjustments such as contact by letter only or reduced frequency. You can also apply for Breathing Space which legally stops most creditor contact for 60 days.
Yes, research consistently shows that problem debt negatively affects both mental and physical health. Mental health impacts include increased rates of anxiety, depression, and stress, while physical health effects include sleep problems, high blood pressure, and headaches. Addressing debt problems early with professional support can significantly improve both financial and health outcomes.
Yes, you can definitely get help with debt if you're receiving mental health-related benefits such as PIP, ESA, or Universal Credit. Free debt advice is available regardless of your income source, and advisors will consider your benefit income and extra costs associated with your mental health condition. If benefits are your only income and debts are unmanageable, solutions like Debt Relief Orders might be suitable.
Our advisors are trained to support people with mental health difficulties. You won't be judged, and all advice is completely free and confidential.
Help for gambling debt which often occurs alongside mental health challenges.
Mental health crisis breathing space gives 60 days protection from creditors.
Debt help if you are receiving mental health benefits or Universal Credit.
Compassionate debt advice from advisors trained in mental health support.
Practical support when debt is affecting your mental health and wellbeing.
Debt solutions if mental health affects your ability to work and earn income.