Worried About Debt or Money?
If you are struggling with rent, bills, council tax, loans or benefit issues, we are here for you.
Youth Legal provides free, confidential debt and money advice to young people aged 16-25 and families with children across London. We help you understand your options and take practical steps to reduce stress and stabilise your finances.
How We Can Help
- Understand what you owe and who you owe it to
- Identify which debts are urgent (priority debts)
- Communicate with creditors on your behalf
- Explore repayment or insolvency options
- Maximise your income through benefits or other entitlements
Get in Touch
Our debt adviser can help you work through your situation and find a way forward. All advice is free and confidential.
Call 020 3195 1906 or use our online form.
Know Your Rights
Read our guides on common debt and money issues. These are written in plain language to help you understand your rights and options.
Benefits & Entitlements
Universal Credit and your entitlement
Universal Credit is the main benefit for people on a low income or out of work. If you are aged 18 or over (with some exceptions for 16 and 17 year olds), live in the UK, and have savings of £16,000 or less, you may be eligible. We can help you check your entitlement and support you through the application.
Discretionary Housing Payment for financial support
If your Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing payment does not cover your full rent, you may be able to get extra help from your council through a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). We can help you apply.
Benefit shortfall
A benefit shortfall happens when your benefits do not cover your essential living costs, especially housing. This can happen for many reasons, from the benefit cap to sanctions to your rent being higher than what benefits will cover. If your money is not stretching far enough, we can help you check whether you are getting everything you are entitled to.
Passported Benefits
If you already receive a benefit like Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit, you may automatically qualify for extra help with things like prescriptions, school meals, energy bills, and more. These are called passported benefits, and many people miss out on them simply because they do not know they exist. We can help you check what you are entitled to.
Universal Credit
If you are under 25 and struggling with money, you may be able to claim Universal Credit. You can apply even if you are working, and there are special rules for 16 and 17 year olds.
Priority or Non-Priority Debt: Social Fund Loans
If you have a Social Fund loan (such as a Budgeting Loan or Budgeting Advance), repayments are usually taken directly from your benefits. This can make it harder to cover your essential bills. Contact us for free advice on managing your repayments and checking what other support you may be entitled to.
Priority or Non-Priority: Benefit Overpayment
If the DWP or your council says you have been overpaid benefits, they can deduct money from your future payments or take other enforcement action. This usually makes it a priority debt. Contact us for free advice on your rights and options.
Bills & Utilities
How to estimate your energy use
You can find out how to calculate how much gas and electricity you use, and how much it will cost. Understanding your actual usage is the best way to avoid surprise bills.
Energy Cap and Your Fuel Bills
The energy price cap is often talked about as a single price, based on a "typical" user. But it actually caps the unit rates you pay, not your total bill. Understanding what this means can help you make better decisions about your energy costs.
Phone Bills
If you are struggling to pay your phone bill or have fallen behind on payments, it helps to understand what you are being charged for. We can help you work out your options.
Medical Cost
If you are struggling to afford prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests, or other health costs, you may be able to get help. Many young people qualify for free or reduced-cost NHS treatment. Contact us for free advice on what you are entitled to.
Ways to read your gas and electricity meters
If you are in debt to your energy supplier, giving accurate meter readings can stop your bills from being estimated too high. Here is how to read your gas and electricity meter.
Non-Priority Debt: Phone Debt
Phone debt is usually treated as a non-priority debt, because pay-as-you-go mobiles are a flexible alternative if your contract is cancelled or your landline is disconnected. However, if you rely on your phone for essential services (such as internet access bundled into the contract), it could be treated as a priority. Contact us for free advice.
Priority Debt: Gas and Electricity
If you are behind on your gas or electricity bills, this is a priority debt. Your supplier could install a prepayment meter or, in rare cases, disconnect your supply. Contact us for free advice on your rights and options.
Dealing with Debt
Incorrect information on your credit file
If there is incorrect information on your credit file, you have a legal right to have it corrected or removed for free. Mistakes on your credit report can affect your ability to get a phone contract, rent a flat, or borrow money. This article explains how to check your file, dispute errors, and escalate a complaint if needed.
Personal Insolvency options in England
If you cannot keep up with your debts, there are formal options that could help you make a fresh start. In England, the three main personal insolvency options are bankruptcy, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), and a Debt Relief Order (DRO). Each has different rules and consequences. Contact us for free advice before making any decision.
Debt recovery for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) goods
If you owe money on Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) purchases and have missed payments, this article explains what can happen next and what you can do. BNPL providers like Klarna, Clearpay, PayPal, and Laybuy can pass your debt to a collection agency, take you to court, or damage your credit score.
The primary difference between the N244 and N245 court form in debt
If you have a County Court Judgment (CCJ) and need to change your payment terms, or if you want to challenge a court order, you may need to use either Form N244 or Form N245. This article explains the difference between the two forms, when to use each one, and how much they cost.
A criminal court means form
If you have been asked to fill in a means form (Form MC100) by a Magistrates' Court, this article explains what it is, what information you need to provide, and what happens if you do not complete it. Related forms for legal aid and help with court fees are also explained.
Money borrowed from a 'friend'
If someone you know has lent you money and is now threatening you, charging unfair interest, or taking your bank cards or documents, they may be an illegal lender (sometimes called a loan shark). You have rights, and we can help you safely.
Who are the Financial Ombudsman Service?
If you have complained to a bank, lender, or other financial company and you are not happy with their response, you can take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS is a free, independent service that resolves disputes between consumers and financial firms, and its decisions are legally binding.
Role of a credit reference agency in UK
If you are wondering what a credit reference agency is and how it affects you, this article explains how UK credit reference agencies collect your financial information, create your credit report and score, and how this affects your ability to borrow money. The three main agencies are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Differences between priority and non-priority debts
If you are dealing with debt, it helps to understand which debts are most urgent. Priority debts can lead to losing your home, essential services, or even prison if left unpaid. We can help you work out what to pay first.
Your Debt Options
If you owe money and are not sure what to do, there are several options depending on how much you owe, what assets you have, and your personal circumstances. Contact Youth Legal for free advice on the best route for you.
Six Stages of debt advice
When you come to us for help with debt, we follow six clear steps to understand your situation and find the best way forward. This page explains what happens at each stage so you know what to expect.
Breathing Space from debt
The Breathing Space scheme gives you temporary legal protection from creditors while you get professional debt advice. It freezes interest and charges and pauses enforcement action. Contact Youth Legal to find out if you are eligible.
Lender owes you money
If a lender owes you money, you have the right to get it back. Start by raising the issue directly with the firm. If that does not work, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) or consider legal action.
Illegal Lenders
If someone has lent you money without proper paperwork, is charging huge interest, or is threatening you, they may be an illegal lender (also called a loan shark). You do not have to deal with this alone. Contact us for free, confidential advice.
Enforcement & Bailiffs
Complain against an enforcement agent
If an enforcement agent (bailiff) has treated you unfairly, you have the right to complain. Start by complaining to the enforcement firm, and if that does not resolve things, you can escalate to the Enforcement Conduct Board. We can help you through the process.
Enforcement Agent v Debt Collection company
A bailiff (enforcement agent) acts for the courts and can seize your belongings to settle a debt. A debt collector works for a creditor and can only ask you to pay. Knowing the difference matters because they have very different legal powers.
Enforcement Agents
If a bailiff (also called an 'enforcement agent') turns up at your door, it can feel frightening. But you have rights, and you do not have to let them in. We can help you understand your options.
Food & Crisis Support
Food Support
If you do not have enough food at home, Youth Legal can help. We can refer you to your local food bank, check your benefit entitlements, and help with any debt that is making it harder to afford essentials.
Non-Priority Debts
Statute Barred Debt
If a creditor is chasing you for an old debt, it may be "statute barred," meaning they can no longer take you to court to force you to pay. In England and Wales, most unsecured debts become unenforceable after six years under the Limitation Act 1980 if you have not made a payment or acknowledged the debt in writing during that time.
Non-Priority Debt: Penalty Charge Notice
A Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is a fine for a parking or traffic offence. It is treated as a non-priority debt because not paying it will not lead to imprisonment, loss of essential services, or loss of your home. However, ignoring a PCN can lead to increased charges and bailiff action. Contact us for free advice.
Non-Priority Debt: Phone Debt
Phone debt is usually treated as a non-priority debt, because pay-as-you-go mobiles are a flexible alternative if your contract is cancelled or your landline is disconnected. However, if you rely on your phone for essential services (such as internet access bundled into the contract), it could be treated as a priority. Contact us for free advice.
Non-Priority: Overdraft Debt
Overdraft debt is a non-priority debt, like loans and credit cards, because it is not secured against any of your assets. However, if your account is overdrawn, your bank may use your income to reduce the overdraft before you can spend it. Contact us for free advice on protecting your income.
Non-Priority Debt: Unsecured Loans and Credit Cards
Unsecured loans and credit cards are debts that are not tied to your home or another asset. They are usually non-priority debts, but if you stop paying, your creditor can take you to court and your credit rating will be affected. Contact us for free advice.
Priority Debts
Priority Debt: Court Fines
If you have unpaid court fines, they are treated as a priority debt. This means they should be paid before non-priority debts like credit cards or unsecured loans. If you cannot keep up with payments, there are steps you can take, and we can help.
Priority or Non-Priority Debt: Social Fund Loans
If you have a Social Fund loan (such as a Budgeting Loan or Budgeting Advance), repayments are usually taken directly from your benefits. This can make it harder to cover your essential bills. Contact us for free advice on managing your repayments and checking what other support you may be entitled to.
Priority or Non-Priority Debt: Credit Union Loans
Credit union loans are usually non-priority debts. However, if the credit union is your only source of affordable credit, or if they are threatening to bar you from membership services, it may be in your best interests to treat the debt differently. Contact us for free advice on your situation.
Priority or Non Priority Debt: Car
If you have a car on Hire Purchase (HP) or Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and you are struggling to keep up with payments, your rights depend on how much you have already paid. Depending on your situation, car finance debt may be treated as a priority or non-priority debt. Contact us for free advice.
Priority Debt: Fixed Penalty Notices
A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) is issued by the police or another authorised officer for offences like speeding or littering. This is a priority debt because not paying can lead to a court summons, an increased fine, a warrant for your arrest, or even imprisonment. Contact us for free advice.
Priority or Non-Priority: Benefit Overpayment
If the DWP or your council says you have been overpaid benefits, they can deduct money from your future payments or take other enforcement action. This usually makes it a priority debt. Contact us for free advice on your rights and options.
Priority Debt: Gas and Electricity
If you are behind on your gas or electricity bills, this is a priority debt. Your supplier could install a prepayment meter or, in rare cases, disconnect your supply. Contact us for free advice on your rights and options.
Priority Debt: Mortgage Arrears
If you're struggling to pay your mortgage, this is a priority debt because falling behind could lead to your home being repossessed. The earlier you get advice, the more options you have. Contact us for free, confidential help.
Priority Debt: Rent Arrears
If you're behind on your rent and worried about losing your home, we can help. Rent arrears are treated as a priority debt because unpaid rent can lead to eviction. Contact us for free advice on your rights and options.
Other
Priority Debt: Secured Loan
A secured loan is a loan backed by your property or another asset. If you fall behind on payments, your home or asset could be repossessed. This makes it a priority debt. Contact us for free advice on your rights and options.
Need Advice Now?
If you are worried about debt collectors, bailiffs, or losing your home, do not wait. Contact us today for free, confidential advice.
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