What information do I need before applying for debt help?

Asking for support with debt can feel like a big step.

You might worry that you need every letter, balance and account number ready before you start. You might also feel unsure about what you will be asked, or whether you will be expected to make a decision straight away.

The good news is that you usually do not need everything perfect before making an enquiry.

In most cases, rough figures are enough to begin. The aim is to understand your situation at a high level, then talk through what may happen next.

This guide explains the type of information it can help to have ready before you start.

Debt solutions are not suitable for everyone. What may be appropriate depends on your income, debts, household situation, assets and what you can realistically afford.

1. Your contact details

The first thing you will usually be asked for is how to contact you.

This may include:

• your name;
• phone number;
• email address;
• postcode;
• the best time to contact you.

This helps the team respond to your enquiry and contact you in a way that works for you.

Use contact details that are safe and reliable. If there is a better time to call, or a number you prefer to use, make that clear where possible.

2. A rough idea of how much you owe

You do not need the exact amount at the very beginning.

A rough estimate is usually enough to start the conversation.

For example, you might know that your total debt is around:

• under £5,000;
• £5,000 to £10,000;
• £10,000 to £20,000;
• over £20,000.

If you are not sure, that is okay. Many people only have part of the picture when they first ask for support.

What matters is being as honest as you can with the information you have.

3. Who you owe money to

It can help to make a simple list of the people or companies you owe money to.

This may include:

• credit cards;
• personal loans;
• overdrafts;
• store cards;
• catalogue accounts;
• payday loans;
• council tax;
• energy bills;
• rent or mortgage arrears;
• HMRC;
• benefit overpayments;
• money owed to friends or family.

You do not need to know every account number straight away. A simple list of names and rough balances can be enough to start.

Some debts may be treated differently from others, so it is helpful to include everything you can remember.

4. Your income

You may be asked about money coming into your household.

This could include:

• wages or salary;
• self-employed income;
• benefits;
• pension income;
• maintenance payments;
• regular support from someone else.

If your income changes from month to month, try to give an average.

If you are not working, or your income has recently changed, that is important too. A debt option should be based on what is realistic for your current situation, not what you used to be able to afford.

5. Your essential bills and living costs

You may also be asked about your normal monthly spending.

This helps build a picture of what is left after essential costs.

This can include:

• rent or mortgage;
• council tax;
• gas and electricity;
• water;
• food and household items;
• travel;
• childcare;
• insurance;
• phone and internet;
• medical or care costs;
• other essential payments.

Do not worry if you do not know the exact numbers. Estimates are fine at the start.

The aim is to understand what you can realistically afford after the things you need to live on.

6. Whether you rent or own your home

Your housing situation can affect which debt options may be suitable.

You may be asked whether you:

• rent privately;
• rent from a council or housing association;
• own your home with a mortgage;
• own your home outright;
• live with family or friends.

If you own your home, you may also be asked whether there is any equity in the property. Equity means the difference between what your home may be worth and what is still owed on the mortgage.

You do not need a formal valuation before making an enquiry. A rough idea is usually enough to begin.

7. Whether you own a car or other assets

Some debt solutions look at assets.

Assets can include things such as:

• a car or van;
• savings;
• valuable items;
• property;
• shares or investments.

This does not mean you will automatically lose anything. It simply means these details may need to be understood before any option is discussed properly.

If your vehicle is needed for work, family responsibilities or caring duties, say so.

8. Any urgent problems

It is important to mention anything that feels urgent.

This may include:

• missed payments;
• creditor letters or calls;
• court letters;
• bailiff contact;
• rent or mortgage arrears;
• council tax arrears;
• energy bill arrears;
• threats of disconnection;
• money being taken directly from wages or benefits.

You do not need to deal with this alone. Sharing what is happening helps the team understand the pressure you are under and what may need attention first.

9. Any changes coming up

Debt support should take account of what is happening now and what may change soon.

It can help to mention if:

• your income is likely to change;
• your job has changed;
• you are expecting a new baby;
• someone has moved in or out;
• your rent or mortgage is changing;
• you are separating from a partner;
• you have extra caring responsibilities;
• a temporary payment arrangement is ending.

These details can affect what is affordable and realistic.

10. What you are hoping to achieve

You do not need to know the answer before you start.

But it can help to think about what you want support with.

For example:

• “I want to stop falling further behind.”
• “I need to understand my options.”
• “I want one affordable payment if that is possible.”
• “I am worried about creditor contact.”
• “I need to know what happens next.”
• “I want to avoid making the wrong decision.”

This helps the conversation focus on what matters most to you.

What if I do not have everything ready?

That is okay.

Many people start with missing details, rough figures or an incomplete list of debts.

You can still make an enquiry if you do not have every document in front of you.

Helpful documents, if you do have them, may include:

• recent creditor letters;
• online account balances;
• bank statements;
• wage slips;
• benefits letters;
• rent or mortgage details;
• council tax letters;
• court or enforcement letters.

But do not let missing paperwork stop you from starting.

What should I avoid putting in an online form?

Only include information that is needed to understand your debt situation at a high level.

Try not to include very personal details in a form unless you are specifically asked for them.

For example, avoid adding detailed information about:

• your health;
• disability;
• medical history;
• family disputes;
• criminal convictions;
• anything very sensitive that is not needed at this first stage.

If you need extra support, you can explain this later when someone contacts you.

Before you decide

Making an enquiry does not mean you have agreed to anything.

Before making any decision, make sure you understand:

• what options may be available;
• what the option involves;
• what fees may apply;
• what risks there are;
• how your credit file could be affected;
• what alternatives exist;
• what happens if your circumstances change.

A good next step should feel clear, not rushed.

You may also find it helpful to read:

What debt solutions are available in the UK?
A simple guide to IVAs, Debt Management Plans, Debt Relief Orders, bankruptcy and Breathing Space.

Can I write off debt legally in the UK?
A careful look at what debt write-off can mean, and why bold claims should be treated with caution.

Taking the next step

You do not need perfect figures before asking for support.

Start with what you know. Estimates are fine.

At Debt Movement, we can help you understand which debt options may fit your circumstances. Fees, risks and alternatives will be explained before you make any decision.

Free impartial guidance is also available from MoneyHelper.