Useful contacts

There are many organisations dedicated to helping you understand your rights, finances, welfare issues and more. Here are some contacts you may find helpful.

Citizens Information

The website provides clear information on social welfare entitlements, money and tax issues, and legal matters. You can find your local Citizens Information office from its website.

Phone: 0818 074 000

Website: www.citizensinformation.ie

Central Bank of Ireland

The website offers information and advice for people who are having problems paying their mortgage. It also has a guide on how to complete the Standard Financial Statement (SFS).

Phone: 0818 681 681

Email: enquiries@centralbank.ie

Website: www.centralbank.ie/consumer-hub

Data Protection Commission

The DPC website explains your rights under data protection laws and how your personal information is handled.

Phone: 01 7650100 / 1800437 737

Website: www.dataprotection.ie

The Social Welfare Schemes and Services section of the website has information on social welfare payments such as Jobseeker’s Allowance and pensions.

Website: www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-social-protection

Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO)

The FSPO examines unresolved complaints from consumers and small businesses about financial service providers. The service is free and independent.

For information about when and how you can make a complaint to the FSPO:

Phone: 01 567 7000

Email: info@fspo.ie

Website: www.fspo.ie

Write: Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman
Lincoln House
Lincoln Place
Dublin 2
D02 VH29

Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) (UK)

This Ombudsman is for customers whose lender is a business providing financial services in (or from) the UK. The service is free and independent.

For information about when and how you can make a complaint to FOS:

From outside the UK, phone +44 020 7964 0500

Phone: 0800 023 4 567 or 00300 123 9 123 (within UK)

Email: complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk

Website: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk

Free Legal Advice Centre (FLAC)

FLAC provides free legal advice on issues such as credit and debt.

Phone: 01 906 1010

Website: www.flac.ie

Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI)

The ISI supports people dealing with serious debt by offering information and advice on ways to resolve debt problems and get back on track with your finances. The ISI can arrange individual help for you from a personal insolvency practitioner (PIP).

Information line: 01 764 4200

Email: info@isi.gov.ie

Website: www.backontrack.ie

MABS

MABS (the Money Advice and Budgeting Service) is a free independent service for people with problem debt. The website provides useful budgeting tools and help on completing the Standard Financial Statement (SFS) and the Income and Expenditure (I&E) form. Get support online, or find a local office near you.

Helpline: 0818 07 2000

Website: www.mabs.ie

Abhaile

Abhaile is a free service available through MABS to help homeowners resolve their mortgage arrears. It offers confidential financial and legal advice from experts. Find out if you qualify for a voucher for free expert advice by calling the MABS Helpline or contacting your local MABS office (details on the website).

Helpline: 0818 072 000

Website: mabs.ie/en/abhaile

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

Revenue provides information on tax credits and reliefs you could be entitled to. The Contact us section of the website has links to the online services available. Website: www.revenue.ie

Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC)

The CCPC website provides clear information on what to do if you are in debt or in mortgage arrears. It also provides a mortgage comparison tool, with useful information on switching your mortgage.

Phone: 01 402 5555

Website: www.ccpc.ie/consumers/money

Decision Support Service (DSS)

The DSS supports people who may need help making decisions on financial matters.

Phone: 01 211 9750

Email: queries@decisionsupportservice.ie

Website: www.decisionsupportservice.ie

Dealing with Debt

This website from the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland outlines a range of supports and solutions for people dealing with mortgage or other financial difficulties. It includes information on switching lenders.

Website: bpfi.ie/dealing-with-debt/

Mortgage to Rent (MTR)

MTR is a Government scheme to help people who have serious difficulties with their mortgage and who are unlikely to ever make full repayments on their mortgage in the future. It allows them to switch from owning their home to renting it as social housing tenants, with affordable rent payments. The website has information on how it works and who may be eligible.

Website: mortgagetorent.ie/