Money worries can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone and there is free help. This page explains where to get free, confidential debt and money advice in and around Louth, how to check you are getting the support you are entitled to, and where to turn for help with council tax and energy bills.
If you need food today, see Food banks and help with food.
Free Debt Advice
All of these services give free, confidential debt advice. You can start with whichever feels easiest.
Citizens Advice Lincoln & Lindsey
The local Citizens Advice covers East Lindsey and gives advice on debt, benefits, housing and work. Ring the freephone adviceline on 0808 278 7904, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. You can also fill in a self-referral form on their website if you need money advice.
- Louth office: Unit 1, Meridian House, 41 Eastgate, Louth, LN11 9NH. Open for pre-booked appointments only, on Mondays and Wednesdays, with no drop-in.
- Mablethorpe office: Inter Agency Centre, Stanley Avenue, Mablethorpe, LN12 1DP. Drop-in on Tuesdays, 9am to 4pm.
- More information: citizensadvicelincolnandlindsey.org.uk
National Charities by Phone and Online
- StepChange Debt Charity: freephone 0800 138 1111, and an online debt advice tool you can use at any hour. See stepchange.org.
- National Debtline: 0808 808 4000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm, and Saturday, 9.30am to 1pm. There is also webchat. See nationaldebtline.org.
- PayPlan: freephone 0800 316 1833, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and Saturday, 9am to 3pm. See payplan.com.
- Christians Against Poverty: free debt help. Enter your postcode on their get help page to find help near you.
- MoneyHelper: free, impartial money guidance. See moneyhelper.org.uk.
If money worries are affecting your mental health, Money and Mental Health gives extra support, and the Support section has somewhere to talk.
Loan Sharks and Gambling
If you have borrowed from a loan shark, Stop Loan Sharks gives free, confidential support, and you can get help even if you choose not to make an official report. Call 0300 555 2222 or message on WhatsApp on 07700 102773. See stoploansharks.co.uk.
If gambling is causing money problems, the National Gambling Helpline from GamCare is free and open 24 hours a day. Call or message on WhatsApp on 0808 8020 133. See gamcare.org.uk.
Benefits You May Be Missing
You may be able to claim money you are not getting. A benefits calculator takes a few minutes: try the Turn2us benefits calculator or the MoneyHelper benefits calculator.
- Universal Credit: apply online at the government's Universal Credit site, or by phone on 0800 328 5644, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Calls are free.
- Help with a Universal Credit claim: Citizens Advice Help to Claim is a free phone service on 0800 144 8 444, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. It helps you check you are eligible, complete the application and prepare for your first Jobcentre appointment.
- Pension Credit: for people over State Pension age on a low income. Apply on the government's Pension Credit site or ring 0800 99 1234, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
- Older people: Age UK Lincolnshire gives information and advice on 01522 696 000. Age UK Lindsey, which used to serve this area, closed in May 2025.
Help with Council Tax
East Lindsey District Council's Council Tax Support can reduce your bill if you are on a low income. You need to be the council tax payer, be 18 or over, have a low income and have under £16,000 in savings and capital, unless you get Pension Credit. Students are not eligible. Apply on the council's Council Tax Support page.
If you are struggling to pay, contact the council as early as you can on 01507 601111 to talk about payment options.
Help with Energy Bills
- Home energy advice: East Lindsey District Council's HEART team gives in-person advice on fuel poverty, saving money on energy bills and grants. Ring 01507 613189.
- Heating oil: if you heat your home with oil, there is a support scheme for low-income households at risk of running out. See the council's energy costs page for who can apply and how.
- National Energy Action: a charity that advises on paying energy bills, disputes with suppliers and claiming benefits. Helpline 0800 304 7159, Monday to Thursday, 10am to 4pm, and Friday, 10am to 12.30pm. See nea.org.uk.
If a Sudden Money Problem Hits
East Lindsey District Council's Crisis and Resilience Fund can help households who have had a sudden financial shock, such as losing income or an unexpected emergency. A crisis payment can help with food, utilities or other essentials. The council also has separate help for household items, for moving costs or rent if you get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, and for heating oil. See Money to buy food and essentials for who can apply and how, or the council's Crisis Support page.
The council's Cost of Living Support page brings together more help and is updated as new schemes open.
More Help
If worry is getting too much, see Need help now? for urgent support, or Professional help for talking therapies you can refer yourself to.
Details checked 28th October 2026.