Everything about calling StepChange Debt Charity from abroad
What the StepChange line is for
StepChange describes itself as the UK's leading debt charity and says it helps people find ways to get their finances back on track. Its debt advice line, 0800 138 1111, is for new clients and for anyone returning for help: StepChange says it will then guide you to the right team. Its debt advice service is accredited by MoneyHelper, and if StepChange cannot help, it points to MoneyHelper's debt advice locator. Because of high demand the phone lines may have longer waits, and StepChange recommends starting online where possible.
Living abroad with debts in the UK
StepChange's FAQ answers this directly. It says it can only help you while you are living abroad if: you lived in the UK in the last 3 years; your debts are in the UK; you use a UK bank account; you are coming back to the UK in the next year. For people this applies to, the FAQ gives an ordinary number, 0044 113 831 2427. StepChange also says the cost of calling the UK from overseas can be high, and to check with your phone provider.
Calling a UK 0800 number from abroad
0800 138 1111 is a UK freephone number. StepChange says calls to its 0800 and 0808 numbers are free from all landlines and mobiles, and gives its opening hours without a time zone.
What Losali does with this line
Losali is an independent dialler that works in a web browser. Your call travels over the internet and Losali's telecom carrier connects it to 0800 138 1111 in the UK, so all you need is a data connection. There is no app to install and no UK SIM card to buy. Minutes are prepaid and there is no subscription.
- Check StepChange's four conditions for people living abroad.
- Your client reference number, if StepChange has already given you one.
- Whether you are coming back to the UK in the next year.
- The hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm.
Other ways in
StepChange's online debt advice is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you can start, pause and start again at any time, with live chat while you are getting advice. Clients on a debt management plan manage it through OnlineDMP or email client.service@stepchange.org. StepChange warns that clone firms advertise using its name and that some companies call people claiming to be StepChange: it says it will not call you to introduce its services for the first time, unless you have agreed to a call through one of its partner companies.
What kind of number is this?
Freephone 0800 / 0808. Free to call from inside the UK. Losali shows the price before the call starts.