Ulster Bank is committed to helping our customers through the bad times as well as the good. We continuously look for innovative solutions to the challenges our customers face. This section is designed to provide practical guidance and support to respond to the needs of consumers in financial difficulty.

Managing Debt

Anyone can get into difficulty managing their debt. Job loss, redundancy, reduced hours, reduction in salary, divorce, the death of a loved one, over borrowing, illness or a new baby can all put a strain on your ability to pay your bills. But with the right people behind you, control of your debts is easier than you think. If meeting your commitments is becoming a problem, here are some solutions to consider straight away:

• Get in touch immediately - if you find yourself falling behind in a loan or mortgage, don't hesitate to pick up the phone or call into your local Ulster Bank branch as soon as possible and let us help.
• Get free independent money advice - see agencies such as:
  • Money Advice & Budgeting Service (MABS) - www.mabs.ie
  • Social Welfare agencies - www.welfare.ie
  • Financial Regulator - www.itsyourmoney.ie
  • Citizens Information Board - www.citizensinformation.ie
  • Legal Aid Board - www.legalaidboard.ie
  • MABS & Citizens Information Board - www.keepingyourhome.ie
• Work out a personal budget - make a budget and stick to it.
• Tackle priority debts first - for example, your mortgage and secured loans.
• Claim all your benefits and tax credits - to find out your full entitlements, contact your local social welfare department.

Here are some steps that you should NEVER consider if you find yourself in difficulty:

• Never ignore missed repayments - ignoring your debts is just going to make matters worse. As soon as you notice there's a problem, get in touch with us.
• Don't ignore correspondence or calls from our staff - we are here to help you.
• Don't be under the impression that handing back your keys will absolve you from your mortgage obligations - this is not the case.