I have debts I cannot pay — where do I get free help?

Direct answer

Free, confidential help exists in every country and works better the earlier you go. Családsegítő szolgálat / Adósságkezelési tanácsadás (önkormányzat) (csaladicsod.hu) is the debt-advice service for Hungary: they look at everything you owe, stop the panic, negotiate with creditors and, if needed, start the legal debt-relief route. Your Önkormányzat — szociális osztály / kormányhivatal — rehabilitáció (magyarorszag.hu) can refer you and may cover emergency costs. Jogi Segítségnyújtó Szolgálat (kormányhivatal) (igazsagugyiinformaciok.kormany.hu) is for the legal side — a bailiff at the door, a garnishment, a court letter. Do not take a "consolidation loan" from an advert; that is how debts grow.

Call firstCsaládsegítő szolgálat / Adósságkezelési tanácsadás (önkormányzat)

Report toÖnkormányzat — szociális osztály / kormányhivatal — rehabilitáció

If that failsJogi Segítségnyújtó Szolgálat (kormányhivatal)

🗣️ What to say

"I have debts of about [total] to [number] creditors and I can no longer keep up. I would like a first appointment to go through my income, my debts and my options — including a payment plan or debt relief."

🪜 Step by step

Make the listEvery creditor, amount, and what is already in collection. Bring the letters, even unopened.
Book with Családsegítő szolgálat / Adósságkezelési tanácsadás (önkormányzat)Free, non-judgmental. They can write to creditors on your behalf and freeze interest in many cases.
Protect the essentialsRent, energy and food first. Contact those creditors before anyone else; they have hardship procedures.
Payment plan or reliefA plan you can keep beats a plan that looks good. If the debts are hopeless, the legal debt-relief scheme wipes them after a set period.
Court letters: Jogi Segítségnyújtó Szolgálat (kormányhivatal)A court letter has a deadline. Never ignore it — respond or bring it straight to your adviser.

📇 All contacts

Családsegítő szolgálat / Adósságkezelési tanácsadás (önkormányzat)Free debt advice, personal bankruptcyAs soon as bills cannot be paid🔗 csaladicsod.hu

Önkormányzat — szociális osztály / kormányhivatal — rehabilitációHome help, care allowance, disability supportFor care and support🔗 magyarorszag.hu

Jogi Segítségnyújtó Szolgálat (kormányhivatal)Free legal advice and legal aid for those in needWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 igazsagugyiinformaciok.kormany.hu/jogi-segitsegnyujtas

Közjegyző — fizetési meghagyásPayment order without a lawyerLast step, with a clear claim🔗 www.mokk.hu/fizetesi-meghagyas

❓ Frequently asked

Will my employer or family find out?

Not from the adviser. A garnishment of wages does reach the employer, which is one reason to act before it gets there.

Can I keep my home?

Usually, if you keep paying rent or the mortgage. Say so to the adviser first thing — housing is protected in every plan.

Is the legal debt relief really free of debts at the end?

Yes, apart from a few exceptions such as fines and maintenance. It takes discipline for a few years and a clean start after.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

“free debt advice Hungary”
“debt help Hungary cannot pay”
“debt relief scheme how does it work”
“bailiff at the door what are my rights”
“stop interest on debts”

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💸 I have debts I cannot pay — where do I get free help?