Priority bills
At present, the Benefits Service do not provide debt or money advice but we have listed some details below that you may find helpful
What are my priority bills?
If priority bills are not paid you could lose your home, your fuel could be cut off, you could incur costs, you could end up in court and be prosecuted, your credit rating may be adversely affected or you could be imprisoned.
Priority bills include:
- Mortgage payments and mortgage arrears
- Second mortgages/loans secured against your home
- Ground rent/service charges
- Rent and rent arrears
- Council Tax and arrears
- Gas and Electricity bills
- TV licence
- Magistrates’ Court fines
- Parking penalties
- Income Tax and VAT arrears
- Child maintenance
- Social Fund loans
- Benefit overpayments
- Tax Credit overpayments
- Hire purchase or conditional sale agreements for essential items.
You will always be given a warning before any action is taken against you. It is important to keep in contact with the provider/ creditor to keep them informed of your circumstances and to discuss your options. They will want to avoid taking action against you as much as you do.
What are my non-priority bills?
Non-priority creditors do not have as strong powers as priority creditors. A non-priority creditor must get a county court judgement before they can take any further legal action against you.
Non-priority debts include:
- credit cards
- store cards
- charge cards
- mail order catalogues
- money lenders
- water arrears
- unsecured bank loans
- unsecured overdrafts
