Debt Advice Appointment Checklist

Arriving prepared for your debt advice appointment helps the adviser give you the best possible guidance quickly. Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need.

Documents to bring

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Bank statements for the last 3 months
List of all your debts with amounts owed and creditor names
Proof of income (payslips, Universal Credit statement, or benefit award letters)
Breakdown of your essential monthly spending (rent, utilities, food, travel)
Any court letters, county court judgments (CCJs), or enforcement demands
Priority items — your adviser needs to see these first

Information to know before you go

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Your approximate total debt across all creditors
Your monthly take-home income from all sources
Your monthly housing costs (rent or mortgage)
Which debts are priority debts (rent, council tax, energy, fines, child support)
Priority debts can lead to eviction, imprisonment, or disconnection — these must be dealt with first

Helpful organisations

Citizens Advice

Charity

Provides free, confidential, and independent advice on a wide range of issues including benefits, housing, debt, and employment.

Visit website 0800 144 8848

Related guides

Priority vs Non-Priority Debts

When you are struggling with multiple debts, the most important decision is which to pay first. Not all debts are equal — some carry far more serious consequences than others if left unpaid. Understanding the difference between priority and non-priority debts is the foundation of any debt management strategy and can protect you from losing your home, having your energy cut off, or facing imprisonment.

7 min

Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme)

Breathing Space, formally known as the Debt Respite Scheme, gives people in problem debt a legal pause from most creditor action for 60 days. During this period, interest and charges on qualifying debts are frozen, and creditors cannot chase you, take you to court, or send bailiffs. The scheme was introduced in May 2021 and is available in England and Wales.

8 min

Debt Relief Orders

A Debt Relief Order (DRO) is a formal insolvency solution for people with relatively low levels of debt, minimal assets, and very low surplus income. When a DRO is granted, you enter a 12-month moratorium during which creditors cannot take action against you and interest is frozen. At the end of the 12 months, your qualifying debts are written off completely. A DRO can be a powerful fresh start — but it comes with conditions and restrictions.

10 min

Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always check official sources and seek qualified help where needed.