Money and Debt Advice
If you are having money problems – do NOT ignore them.
It can often be difficult dealing with a debt problem. Most debts can be sorted out if you know what to do.
We can help in a number of ways
- Working closely with the Maidstone Citizens Advice Bureau, our staff can refer you to the CAB for free and independent money advice
- We can provide you with details of other agencies which offer advice and support
- We can check your benefits to make sure you are getting all the money that you should
- We can give you information about dealing with debt
- We can provide you with a guide about borrowing money
Referral to Maidstone Citizens Advice Bureau
Maidstone Citizens Advice Bureau offer free, impartial, confidential and independent advice. The bureau is located at
2 Bower Terrace
Tonbridge Road
Maidstone
ME16 8RY
The Bureau is open Monday to Friday from 10a.m. to 4pm.
On Tuesdays, telephone advice only is available from 4p.m. to 6p.m.
CAB staff offer advice money and housing advice and can be contacted on
Money Advice 01622 751788
Housing Advice 01622 674032
Or email Maidstone.cab@dial.pipex.com
Advice from other agencies
There are other agencies which offer free and independent debt advice and they include
National Debtline
Freephone 0808 808 4000
Advice is available from Monday to Friday 9a.m. to 9p.m
And on Saturday from 9.30a.m. to 1p.m.
Consumer Credit Counselling Service
Freephone 0800 138 1111
Advice is available from Monday to Friday 8a.m. to 8p.m.
Benefit check
Our Welfare Benefit Advisor can you advise you whether you are receiving all of the benefits which you should be receiving. We will also help you complete the application forms
Please contact our Welfare Benefit Advisor on 01622 212535
Information about debt advice
We have a booklet “ Money Issues” which will give you some basic advice to help you deal with your debts. If you would like us to send a copy of the booklet to you please let us know.
Borrowing money
Keeping on top of your finances can sometimes be difficult, especially if you need to borrow money. Sometimes hidden charges and high interest rates can leave you taking on far more than you had bargained for. We have included in our booklet “Money Issues” information about borrowing which gives practical advice about borrowing money.
You might find that we can offer you an account which provides the opportunity to borrow and save. In conjunction with Kent Reliance Building Society and other partners, we can provide you with details of an account called the Really Useful Save and Borrow Account.
The scheme makes saving worthwhile and borrowing easy and more affordable. If you would like more information about the account, please let us know. An account can be opened at any branch or agent of the Kent Reliance Building Society.
Remember – debts will not go away and you need to deal with them as soon as possible or get advice to help you.
Don’t panic – help is available.