What to do when you can't meet your mortgage payments


Many homeowners have problems paying their mortgages, often when they lose a job, split up with a partner or have unexpected expenses.
If you're struggling to pay, you need to act quickly - even if the problems are only temporary.

9. Useful Contacts

Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB)
Website: www.nacab.org.uk

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS)
Website: www.cas.org.uk

Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux
Website: www.niacab.org
Look in the phone book for your local bureau, or on their website

National Debtline
Provides a free, confidential and independent phone service
Tel: 0808 808 4000 – freephone
Website: www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Business Debtline
Free, confidential and independent advice for self-employed people and small businesses
Tel: 0800 197 6026 – freephone
Website: www.birminghamsettlement.org.uk

Advice UK
All members provide free and confidential advice, but not all provide money advice. To find your nearest centre
Tel: 020 7407 4070

Money Advice Scotland
Tel: 0141 572 0237
Website: www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk

Credit Counselling Service (CCCS)
CCCS offers a structured programme on how to manage your money
Tel: 0800 138 1111 – freephone

The Community Legal Service (CLS)
Aims to make it easier for the public to get legal help and advice – look on their website for details of agencies in your area
Website: www.clsdirect.org.uk

Credit Action
Provides information and guidance for people with debt or money worries
Tel: 0800 591 084 - freephone
Website: http://www.creditaction.com

Jobcentre Plus Office
Your local office can advise you if you are eligible for any benefits.
Look in your phone book for details

Financial Ombudsman Service
If you are not satisfied with the way your mortgage or insurance company has dealt with your complaint
Tel: 0845 080 1800. Call rates may vary
Website: www.finacial-ombudsman.org.uk

Local Trading Standards Department
Also known as the Consumer Protection Department
Look in the phone book for your local office

Financial Services Authority
Consumer Website: www.fsa.gov.uk/consumer Consumer Helpline: 0845 606 1234. Call rates may vary
Minicom/textphone: 08457 300 104 (available 8:0a, - 6:00pm Monday - Friday: call rates may vary)