Income, investments and debt

This page provides links to information on how best to deal with debt and where to go for money advice and support.

Debt advice

The IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement)  
Their helpline offers free debt advice

UK Insolvency Helpline
A national telephone helpline for people with debt problems.

Debt management
This information sheet applies to people of 60 and over living in England and Wales. Brief guidance is given about possible action which can be taken to deal with debts. If the debt problems are complex it is probably best to seek independent money advice from one of the organisations listed at the end of this sheet.

Debt Watchdog
This site offers guides to debt solutions such as: Debt consolidation, Debt Management, IVA and Bankruptcy. They also have an extensive article base ranging on topics as diverse as Debt after death, Council Tax Arrears - What Can Happen? and How Can I Stop My Creditors From Calling Me?

Credit Report  
This site helps people to maintain or improve their credit rating and their credit report.

Income advice

Essex Savers Net Credit Union  
This provides straightforward, affordable and accessible savings and loans for all who live or work in Essex, and in addition money advice and money education

Equity release  
This is the term used to cover the various ways that older homeowners can use their homes to generate income or capital lump sums while continuing to live there. This information sheet looks at the potential effect of equity release on claims for Pension Credit and Council Tax Benefit for people over 60.  It is mainly aimed at advisers or others who are already familiar with the benefits system.

The Money Advice Service
This service is here to help everyone manage their money better. They do this by giving clear, unbiased money advice to help people make informed choices.

Investments

Investment advice
This information briefly explains things to think about before making decisions or getting advice. Investing money always carries a risk - some options involve more risk than others, but may offer a higher return. 

Financial support

AFTAID
They are a small charitable organisation which offers direct financial assistance in the form of grants, often in emergency situations and covering a wide range of 'quality of life' issues which are not being addressed elsewhere.

CEBF
The Charity Employees Benevolent Fund was created to assist and relieve UK residents in need who are or have been in paid employment with a UK charity (or any other charitable body; either an exempt charity or recognised as a charity by HMRC) and their widows, widowers, partners and dependent children.

Elizabeth Finn Care
They help support people who were once self-sufficient, but who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in need of financial help.

Essex Guardians
They are passionate about providing protection and support for the county's most vulnerable people. They are here to help those who don't have the mental capacity to manage their own affairs.

Money Advice Trust
Offer information on dealing with debt and negotiating affordable repayments to creditors.

National Benevolent Fund for the Aged
This is a charity which strive to improve the quality of life for older people on a low income.

Society for the Assistance of Ladies in reduced circumstances
They assist women who are permanently resident in the UK living alone and genuinely in need, irrespective of social status. Often they are elderly ladies who require help towards their day-to-day living expenses.

The Relatives & Residents Association (Essex)  
About 40% of people living in residential care are self funders paying their own fees and costs. For people who cannot afford the fees, the Local Authority may fund the care. This is means tested. Other arrangements apply to people needing long term medical or nursing care. Funding residential care is complex and we strongly recommend you get expert and independent advice from our helpline 0845 017 7720 or another source.

The Universal Beneficent Society
This charity concentrate their help on people aged 65 and over who are living in financial difficulty. They provide support and financial help to those who most need it.