Debt and Benefits
The Spark Foundation is frequently asked to pay off or help reduce priority debts such as rent arrears. The rent arrears are often in excess of £1,000 but our average grant is £300 - 400 so would be unlikely to make a significant difference. We do not provide help with non-priority debts such as money owing on credit cards or to payday/doorstep lenders.
Below we have some ideas which would help with both priority and non-priority debts.
Contact one of the free debt advice services
For a website which gives details of the free online and telephone debt advice services see moneyadviceservice.org
A debt adviser will:- never judge you or make you feel bad about your situation
- always be happy to talk to you, however big or small your problem might be
- find ways to manage your debts even if you think you have no spare money
- suggest ways to deal with debts that you might not know about
Most people who have got debt advice say that afterwards they feel less stressed or anxious and more in control of their life again
Get help to check if your benefits are right or if you are entitled to further help
There are Citizens Advice services all across England & Wales. These all offer free, independent, impartial and confidential advice. See citizensadvice.org and search for your local office.
