Don’t let your client ignore the problem. It won’t go away and could get a lot worse.

Reassure the client. If the problem is dealt with as soon as possible, the consequences are far more likely to be manageable.

Identify any priority debts.

These are debts leading to:

* loss of a home (e.g. rent or mortgage arrears);

*disconnection of gas/electricity;

*imprisonment (e.g. nonpayment of Council Tax, or court fines).

These creditors should be contacted immediately by the client or a money adviser, or - if feasible - a health or social care worker.

Set your boundaries.

Workers can make big differences simply by knowing and doing small things about client debt. However, complex situations do require specialist money advisers.

Get help.

There are a range of free and confidential money advice services available.

Consider the catalysts.

What is at the root of the debt? What other sources of support need to be signposted or referred to?

Support the client and money adviser.

There are numerous ways you can do this: go to Work with advisors and Provide information: a tool.