Priority Debt: Court Fines
If you have unpaid court fines, they are considered priority debts, meaning they should be paid before non-priority debts like credit cards or unsecured loans. Failure to pay can lead to aggressive enforcement measures.
Knowledge Base
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Priority or Non-Priority Debt: Social Fund Loans
Treat as non-priority debts unless you are receiving certain benefits
Priority or Non-Priority Debt: Credit Union Loans
They are usually non-priority debts but it can be in your best interests to treat credit union debt differently.
Priority Debt: Fixed Penalty Notices
Fixed Penalty Notices are issued by an authorised officer, such as the police, for a specific offence, such as littering or speeding. This is always treated with priority.
Priority or Non-Priority: Benefit Overpayment
Although it is meant to be a non-priority debt, benefit overpayments are usually a priority debt because relevant authorities can take enforcement action that may result in a reduction of your current and future income, leading to a shortfall in your existing benefit which may lead to rent and other arrears.
Priority Debt: Gas and Electricity
The debts are treated as a priority and they need to be directed to a debt adviser. You may be disconnected or self-disconnect if bills are not paid. Therefore, to explore their rights and options, you are required to be referred internally for debt advice.
Priority Debt: Mortgage Arrears
If repossession is imminent, urgent advice should be given as an emergency via triaging if a debt adviser is not available, such as housing options or setting aside the warrant. This is a priority debt and if you do not pay the debt, it may result in the repossession of the property.
Priority Debt: Rent Arrears
If you're behind on your rent and worried about losing your home, we can help. Rent arrears are treated as a priority debt because unpaid rent can lead to eviction. Contact us for free advice on your rights and options.