What to do if you can’t pay your bills
Falling behind on bills can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling priority bills like rent, mortgage repayments, energy, and council tax.
Whether the cause is job loss, health problems, rising living costs, or unexpected expenses, knowing what to do and where to go for help, can make a big difference.
Don’t ignore the problem
When you feel you cannot pay your bills, it may be tempting to put off opening letters or answer calls. However, ignoring bills and missing payments can lead to more serious consequences such as court action, service disconnection, or damage to your credit score.
Avoid this by taking action early. Contacting creditors or service providers to explain your situation can often lead to manageable repayment plans or even temporary relief.
Understand priority vs. non-priority bills
Some bills carry more serious consequences if not paid. These are known as priority bills. Non-payment can result in a loss of essential services, eviction or even imprisonment. If you are behind with priority bills it is really important to seek advice.
Priority bills include:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Council tax
- Gas and electricity bills
- Water bills
- TV licence
- Court fines
- Child maintenance payments
- Income tax, national insurance, and VAT
Non-priority bills
These are still important, but non-payment doesn’t usually result in the loss of your home or essential services. Although missed payments will impact your credit file. Non-priority bills include:
- Credit cards
- Store cards
- Overdrafts
- Loans
Our priority bills blog post provides further understanding on what can happen if priority bills are left unpaid.
Council tax arrears
Council tax is a priority debt with strict enforcement powers. If you miss payments:
- Your local authority can demand the full year’s tax upfront after one missed payment.
- You may face a Liability Order from the Magistrates’ Court.
- If unpaid, bailiffs may be sent or deductions made from wages or benefits.
Help is available:
- Council Tax Reduction (sometimes known as Council Tax Support) may provide you with a discount based on your household income for circumstances. Apply through your local council.
- Discretionary Housing Payments can provide financial support to help with rent or housing costs if you are eligible. For those in England and Wales you can apply for DHP through your local council. In Scotland you can also apply for DHP through your local council here.
- Northern Ireland has a different system for housing support. Apply for Rate Relief via the Housing Executive.
Always speak to your local council first if you’re struggling. They may agree to a repayment plan or hold off on enforcement if you’re actively seeking help.
Contact utility providers
If you can’t afford energy bills, contact your supplier
- They’re required to help vulnerable customers under Ofgem rules.
- Ask about repayment plans, Fuel Direct (deductions from benefits), or prepayment meter top-up schemes.
- Check eligibility for the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payment, or Cold Weather Payments.
- In Scotland, Home Energy Scotland offers free advice and grants.
Discover further utility support that may be available here.
Speak to a free debt adviser
A debt adviser can help you:
- Work out a budget
- Prioritise bills
- Negotiate with creditors
- Explore debt solutions like Debt Management Plans or Breathing Space
Free, confidential support services include:
- 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) – provide in-person and phone-based debt help
- Advice NI (Northern Ireland) – provide free debt and benefits advice
Look into emergency help
Depending on your situation, you might be eligible for:
- Local Welfare Assistance Schemes (England & Wales): emergency grants from your local council.
- Scottish Welfare Fund (Scotland): crisis grants and community care grants
- Discretionary Support (Northern Ireland): emergency financial help from the Department for Communities.
Support of financial worries
Money worries can take a toll on your mental wellbeing. Don’t hesitate to seek further emotional support if required.
Many of the support services listed above can provide emotional support or signposting. However here are some other organisation who may be able to provide further support:
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. Help is available, and small steps can make a big difference.