Business debt and financial support charities for self-employed people

Updated: 4 Oct, 2025
By Chris Salmon

If you are self employed and have been injured at work, the sudden loss of income can create serious financial strain. Charities and independent support organisations offer free, impartial guidance on managing debt, accessing grants and stabilising your finances.

At a glance

  • Several UK charities provide free advice on debt and financial support for the self employed.
  • Services include debt counselling, budgeting help, grant applications and business advice.
  • Support is confidential, independent and does not affect your credit rating.
  • Charities can help negotiate with creditors and guide you towards long-term solutions.

Key charities and organisations

  • StepChange Debt Charity: Offers free, expert advice on debt management and repayment plans. More details at the StepChange website.
  • Business Debtline: A dedicated service for small business owners and the self employed, run by the Money Advice Trust. Find resources and helpline numbers at Business Debtline.
  • Citizens Advice: Provides support on a wide range of financial matters, including benefits, housing and debt. You can find your nearest office through the Citizens Advice website.
  • Turn2Us: A national charity helping people in financial difficulty access grants and welfare support. Visit Turn2Us for more information.
  • Federation of Small Businesses (FSB): Offers members legal and financial advice, including debt support and funding resources. Learn more at the FSB website.

Contact a free debt charity sooner rather than later. They can help with budgets, creditors and breathing space. Keep a file of calls and letters. A tidy paper trail helps your claim.

Chris Salmon

Commercial Director
Work Accident Advice Centre

How charities can help

Charities and independent organisations typically offer:

  • Debt advice tailored to self employed workers.
  • Assistance with grant or benefit applications.
  • Help negotiating affordable repayment terms with creditors.
  • Guidance on budgeting and long-term financial planning.
  • Access to helplines, online resources and face-to-face support.

Real-world example

A self employed plumber broke his leg on a job and could not work for three months. With bills mounting, he contacted Business Debtline, who helped him negotiate a temporary payment plan with creditors. He also used Turn2Us to apply for a small grant to cover household expenses until he could return to work.

Taking the first step

If you are struggling financially after an accident, reach out to one of these charities as soon as possible. Their advice is free, independent and confidential, and early action can prevent debts from escalating.

Call now for free specialist advice

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  • Advice that's right for your case
  • Check if you can claim
  • No Win, No Fee explained clearly

If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.

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Work Accident Advice Centre (WAAC) a Claims Management Company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref number: 835858). Registration is recorded on the FCA website https://register.fca.org.uk/. Calls are confidential and are handled by our partners at National Accident Helpline. Our privacy policy explains how we protect your data.

About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon