Impact of debt
Debt can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Thankfully, there are many agencies ready to help you find long-term solutions and manage your finances effectively.
Avoid loan sharks
If you're facing debt challenges, please don’t consider using a loan shark. These lenders operate illegally, and we want to help you steer clear of them. If you encounter a loan shark, please report them:
- Tel: 0300 555 2222
- Text: 07860 022116
- E-mail: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
- Website: Visit Stop Loan Sharks
Responsible Finance with CDFIs
Learn more about Community Development Finance Institutions that offer support
Money and Pensions Service
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) provides guidance for those managing changes in the cost of living. This support is especially for individuals who haven’t missed payments yet but are at risk of doing so. Resources and tools are available for people who:
- Are struggling to stay on top of bills and payments
- Have experienced a drop in income or tight budgets
- Are self-employed
- Are worried about redundancy or job loss
- Need further advice regarding financial difficulties
Further Financial Advice
Citizens Advice Ipswich
Call 0808 278 7867 or visit the Citizens Advice Ipswich website.
Financial Inclusion and Advice Services
Get tailored advice on benefits, money management, and debt support aimed at promoting independent living. Our guidance (Suffolk County Council - money and debt advice) covers:
- Changes to welfare benefits
- COVID-19 specific support
- Assistance for self-employed individuals
- Help for renters and homeowners
IBC Tenant Financial Hardship Advice
Support for Ipswich Borough Council tenants facing financial difficulties and to see your benefits entitlement
Visit out problems paying your rent page.
Phone: 01473 432000
Council Tax Reductions & Hardship Funds (Ipswich Borough Council)
Extra support is available for residents struggling to keep up with Council Tax payments during these challenging times, including guidance on the COVID-19 Hardship Fund.
Phone 01473 432000
Social prescribing and community outreach services
Discover more about social prescribing and community outreach services.
Ipswich Disabled Advice Bureau
This local charity supports individuals with disabilities, their carers, and families in Ipswich and surrounding areas. Services include:
- Guidance on welfare benefit entitlements
- Help with claim forms
- Employment support, including jobseeker guidance and appeals representation
- Debt and money management assistance
Phone: 01473 217313.
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Offering support services to the local Bangladeshi community regarding benefits, Council Tax, housing, and education, along with assistance with form-filling and Level 1 immigration advice. Phone: 01473 400081 |
Providing advice, advocacy, and practical support for asylum seekers and refugees settling in Suffolk. Phone: 01473 400785 |
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Offering support and guidance associated with Jobseeker’s Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance, and Income Support. Phone: 0800 169 0190 |
Part of the Credit Union Community, this service offers affordable loans without penalties for early repayment, helping you build savings. Phone: 03336 000690 |
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Anglia Care Trust provides independent advice focusing on debt, welfare, and money management, as well as training and employment support through online referral. Phone: 01473 622888 |
A helpline providing free, confidential advice managing debt problems. Phone: 0808 808 4000 |
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This sister service of the National Debtline provides free debt advice for small business owners. Phone: 0800 197 6026 |
Free and confidential advice on everything from budgeting to practical plans to help manage debt. Phone: 0800 138 1111 |
This service offers valuable information on obtaining a Basic Bank Account, which can be a great starting point if you've been turned down for a Current Account and may lead to opening other account types in the future.