Help with debt: free helplines and first steps

When bills stay unpaid, it is hard to solve it alone. Luckily free help is available. Sometimes the first step is just a phone call.

Contact right away

Do not feel ashamed to ask for help. There are organisations that help people with money worries every day. You can call or chat anonymously before making an official request.

Free national helplines

• Geldfit — call 0800-8115 (free, Monday to Friday 09:00-18:00). Advice on money worries, debts and finding local help.
• Wijzer in geldzaken — independent information on debt, budgeting and your rights.
• Nibud — national institute for budget education, with useful calculators and benchmark amounts.
• Municipal debt assistance — your municipality can mediate, arrange budget management or propose a clean-slate arrangement.

More information can be found at Geldfit and Nibud.

When should you ask for help?

Ask for help when you can no longer pay fixed costs, when you are overdrawn without it resolving, or when you no longer know whom you owe money to. The sooner you reach out, the more options you have.

What to bring to debt assistance

• A list of all your debts, including remaining balance, interest rate and monthly payment.
• Your latest bank statements and payslips.
• An overview of fixed costs such as rent, energy, insurance and subscriptions.
• Proof of loans, payment plans or collection notices.

Read our article on creating a debt overview to learn how to do this in five steps.

Make a plan yourself with Schuldenvrij

Want to get insight first? With Schuldenvrij you can enter your income, fixed costs, reserves and debts for free. The app calculates scenarios and shows when you could be debt-free. No account needed, your data stays in your browser.

Frequently asked questions

Does debt assistance cost money?

Municipal debt assistance is usually free for residents. Some private providers do charge; always ask about this in advance.

Can I get anonymous help?

Yes. Telephone helplines often let you share your story anonymously before applying. An official application only requires your name and address later.

What if my debts are too large?

Even large debts can be helped. Debt assistance will look at mediation, payment arrangements or, as a last resort, a clean-slate procedure together with you.

Also read the step-by-step plan to get out of debt.