What other help is available?
It can be hard to know where to turn when you are in financial difficulty but you have options. So here is a list of agencies and some recent publications that can offer you help and guidance on controlling your debt as well as providing information regarding
state benefits which you may be entitled to:
MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service)
As soon as money becomes a problem, we recommend you also make an appointment with MABS. A Government agency with offices all over Ireland. MABS can give you free, confidential and independent advice on your debt problems.
www.mabs.ie
Keeping your home website
This website is provided by the Citizens Information Board and MABS and provides information on services and entitlements available to mortgage borrowers who may be experiencing difficulties making mortgage repayments.
www.keepingyourhome.ie
Helping Homeowners website
This is a website launched by the Irish Banking Federation (IBF) to help homeowners who are, or may be about to, experience difficulties with their mortgage repayments. It also contains “Your Guide to dealing with Mortgage Repayment Difficulties” published by the IBF in conjunction with MABS. This straightforward consumer guide provides clear four-step advice as to what you as a borrower should do and also spells out what the lender will do.
www.helpinghomeowners.ie www.ibf.ie
Department of Social Protection
You may be entitled to help with your situation so you should be aware of any entitlements such as - if you are having difficulty paying your mortgage and you are getting a social welfare or Health Service Executive payment, you may qualify for a Mortgage Interest Supplement.
www.welfare.ie
Central Bank of Ireland
The Central Bank’s website provides independent information on financial products and includes the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears.
www.centralbank.ie
National Consumer Agency
Itsyourmoney.ie website under the remit of the NCA provides independent information on financial products to help you take control of your finances.
www.itsyourmoney.ie
Citizens Information Board
The Citizens Information Board is the national agency responsible
for supporting the provision of information, advice and advocacy on
social services and for the provision of the Money Advice and
Budgeting Service.
www.citizensinformationboard.ie
Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC)
If you need legal help but don't have the money, FLAC is an independent organisation offering free services on a range of legal issues such as social welfare and credit and debt.
www.flac.ie