Specialist Debt Advice Service (SDAS)
The Money and Pensions Service funds Shelter’s Specialist Debt Advice Service (SDAS), which provides specialist debt advice to a range of professional audiences. Support can be accessed by phone or webchat.
Access SDAS
You can access SDAS on ShelterOpens in a new window. From there, you can contact the specialist debt advise service either online or over the phone.
Who can get support from SDAS?
Support can be accessed by:
- local Citizens Advice offices
- advice agencies
- local authorities
- housing associations
- or any other organisation that provides free advice to customers.
Shelter can’t speak to customers needing debt advice directly, but in some cases they can help with supported casework.
What support is available?
There are three different ways to get in touch:
- Over the phone, where you will be able to speak to an adviser. They will email you a written record of any advice given during the call.
- Using webchat, where you will be connected to an adviser and will have the option to send (anonymised) documents. You’ll get a transcript of the conversation once the chat has ended.
- Using the online enquiry service, which is better for any more complex cases. The webform allows you to provide more details and documents, and you may be directed to this option via webchat if this is needed. Once submitted, you’ll get a written response within 3 working days (or more quickly if the case is urgent).
What types of enquiries will Shelter's SDAS answer?
As a specialist service, Shelter’s SDAS exists to provide advice on complex cases. Some of the most common types of enquiry include:
- Debt Relief Orders
- Breathing Space
- bankruptcy
- Council Tax arrears
- County Court debt claims and enforcement agent visits.
Professionals can contact the service with questions about any debt-related matters, although Shelter can’t advise on certain topics (including business debt, housing rights or immigration).
If Shelter aren’t able to help, they will signpost you to services that might be able to support instead.
About the SDAS team
Shelter’s SDAS team is operated by experienced professionals and experts, many of whom have operated as frontline debt advisers. Many have previously provided advice directly through local Citizens Advice offices and other organisations.
The team also works closely with the wider debt advice community, attending quarterly regional Money Advice group meetings and running Q&As with debt advice organisations about their service.
Further information and updates
Full information about the service, including contact details, is available on Shelter’s websiteOpens in a new window.
You can also sign up for their monthly ebulletinOpens in a new window which includes the latest news, articles and case law summaries.