What to do if you can’t pay your bills
Last reviewed August 2026
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If you can't pay your bills, don't ignore the problem. Contact your creditors early and deal with priority bills first. Free debt advice is available from Citizens Advice, StepChange and National Debtline. Emergency grants may also be available depending on where you live.
Falling behind on bills can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling rent, mortgage repayments, energy costs and council tax. Whether the cause is job loss, health problems, rising living costs or an unexpected expense, knowing what to do and where to get help can make a real difference.
Ignoring bills and missing payments can lead to more serious consequences. Including court action, service disconnection, or damage to your credit score. Contacting creditors early to explain your situation can often lead to repayment plans or temporary relief.
Priority bills vs non-priority bills
Some bills carry far more serious consequences if unpaid, including loss of your home, essential services, or court action. Deal with these first.
| Priority bills | Non-priority bills |
|---|---|
| Rent or mortgage | Credit cards |
| Council tax | Store cards |
| Gas and electricity | Overdrafts |
| Water bills | Personal loans |
| TV licence | |
| Court fines | |
| Child maintenance | |
| Income tax, National Insurance and VAT |
Non-priority bills are still important. Any missed payments will affect your credit file, but they don't usually result in loss of your home or essential services. Read more about what could happen if priority bills go unpaid.
Steps to take if you are struggling
Contact your creditors early
Reaching out before you miss a payment gives you more options. Many creditors (including energy suppliers, mortgage lenders and councils) are required to offer support to customers in difficulty. Ask about repayment plans, payment holidays or hardship funds before the situation escalates.
Get help with Council Tax arrears
Council tax is a priority debt with strict enforcement powers. After one missed payment, your local authority can demand the full year's bill upfront. If unpaid, they can apply for a Liability Order, send bailiffs, or make deductions from wages or benefits.
- Apply for Council Tax Reduction - a means-tested discount based on your income
- Apply for Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) through your local council (England and Wales)
- Apply for DHP in Scotland
- Apply for Rate Relief in Northern Ireland
Contact your energy supplier
Energy suppliers are required under Ofgem rules to help vulnerable customers. Contact your supplier and ask about repayment plans, Fuel Direct (deductions from benefits), or prepayment meter top-up schemes. Also check whether you're eligible for the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment or Cold Weather Payments.
In Scotland, Home Energy Scotland offers free advice and grants. Further utility support may be available.
Look into emergency financial help
Depending on your location, emergency grants may be available:
- England and Wales: Local Welfare Assistance Schemes - emergency grants from your local council (you will need to apply through your own council's website)
- Scotland: Scottish Welfare Fund - crisis grants and community care grants
- Northern Ireland: Discretionary Support - emergency financial help from the Department for Communities
Free debt advice
A debt adviser can help you work out a budget, prioritise bills, negotiate with creditors, and explore debt solutions such as Debt Management Plans or Breathing Space. All of the following are free and confidential:
- Citizens Advice - free advice on debt and financial issues
- StepChange - debt advice and support for managing payments
- National Debtline - free and confidential debt advice
- Turn2us - support for those in financial hardship, including grants and benefits advice
- MoneyHelper - government-backed money advice
- Christians Against Poverty (CAP) - in-person and phone-based debt help
- Advice NI - free debt and benefits advice in Northern Ireland
Support for your mental wellbeing
Money worries can take a real toll on mental health. If you're struggling emotionally as well as financially, support is available:
- Mind - mental health support and information
- Samaritans - available 24/7 if you need someone to talk to
- Money and Mental Health Policy Institute - practical support at the intersection of finances and wellbeing
Struggling to pay your bills isn't something to be ashamed of and you're not alone. By taking early action and reaching out to the right support services, you can find a path forward.