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Are you worried about your mortgage repayments? It’s okay - this is where you can find all the information you need if you are searching for Independent Advice on managing your mortgage through this difficult time. Sometimes you just need some useful contacts and free advice; and we know just where you can get it. So we’ve listed the best third party organisations that will give you the help you need to get back on track.
Have a browse through our independent information or download one of our useful guides below.
The Central Bank's website (centralbank.ie) provides independent information on financial products and includes a consumer guide to dealing with your lender on the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears.
Call: 01 224 5800.
The Citizens Information Board is the statutory body which supports the provision of information, advice and advocacy on a broad range of public and social services including health, employment, social welfare and money.
You can call the Citizens Information dedicated Mortgage Arrears Information help line on 0818 074 000 (9.30am - 5pm, Mon-Fri) or visit citizensinformation.ie.
The Department of Social Protection website (welfare.ie) provides information relating to job seekers allowance, mortgage interest supplement* and other welfare benefits for which you may be eligible.
The Financial Services Ombudsman Bureau (fspo.ie) offers a free service to personal customers of financial institutions, dealing independently with unresolved complaints about their individual dealings with their financial service providers.
3rd Floor Lincoln House
Lincoln Place
Dublin 2
Call: 01 5677000 (lo call)
The ISI is an independent government organisation with a range of solutions to problem debt – including mortgage arrears. It has a regulated network of qualified professionals that can help you get back on track.
www.backontrack.ie phone 0761064200 or text GETHELP to 50015.
Abhaile is a new State-funded service to help homeowners find a resolution to home mortgage arrears. It provides vouchers for free financial and legal advice and help from experts, which are available through MABS. A dedicated adviser will work with you and your lender to find the best solution for your situation.
www.mabs.ie Phone 0818 072 000
MABS (mabs.ie) offers free and confidential independent advice and assistance with managing your finances.
The MABs specialise in helping people experiencing financial troubles. They look at all areas of your finances to help you come up with the best solution for you.
With offices nationwide, MABS offers a free and confidential service covering all arrears of personal finance. They can help you draw up a budget, renegotiate repayments with other lenders and advise you on any benefits you may be entitled to. To contact MABS, phone their lo-call number 0818 072 000 (Mon - Fri 9am - 8pm) or visit their website on mabs.ie.
Stepchange Debt Charity Ireland (www.stepchange.org) is a free and independent telephone advice service for people who are struggling with debt or mortgage payments. They will review your financial circumstances and recommend the best way for you to deal with your debts. Their Freephone helpline number is 1800 937 435. The line is available Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm, and is free to call from landlines and mobiles.
Think you need some outside advice? That’s okay. Free, independent third party advice is available from the Irish Mortgage Holders Organisation (IMHO), and they’ll be happy to help any EBS homeowners in difficulty with their mortgage repayments.
The IMHO will even provide you with a designated point of contact, who will help you complete the Standard Financial Statement. This is a key component in managing your situation. Your assistance will be provided over the phone, online or in person.
The IMHO will then submit on your behalf the relevant information to the EBS arrears support unit in order to reach a sustainable solution. You can contact the IMHO by phone on 1800 988 977 online at mortgageholders.ie or drop by in person.
Visit keepingyourhome.ie - a website jointly published by the Citizens Information Board and the Money Advice and Budgeting Services (MABS). This site provides comprehensive information on the services and entitlements available to mortgage borrowers who may be experiencing difficulties making mortgage repayments.
The Banking & Payments Federation Ireland represents Ireland's principal mortgage lenders. In conjunction with the BPFI AIB has prepared a support guide 'Important Information to help people in mortgages arrears'.
The Revenue Commissioners website (revenue.ie) provides information on all tax credits and benefits you may be entitled to.
MAIAS provide access to mortgage information through the website www.keepingyourhome.ie Via MAIAS borrowers can avail of specific financial advice, at the cost of their mortgage lender, from an independent accountant where they have been presented by their lender with proposals for long term solutions. See keepingyourhome.ie for a list of participating Accountants.
For Accountants - The following declaration must be completed and included with your invoice:
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is the statutory body for Consumer help. Why not visit their website consumerhelp.ie and the section entitled “Your Money” and “Tools & Calculators.
Other Useful bodies include:
Insolvency Service of Ireland
Department of Social & Family Affairs
Call: 01 704 3860
welfare.ie
Free Legal Advice Centres
flac.ie
* Mortgage Interest Supplement provides short term support to help you make mortgage interest repayments. To see if you qualify, you should contact the Community Welfare Officer at your local Health Centre who will advise you how to submit a claim. You are required to submit certain information, such as a copy of the original loan documentation with your claim. The necessary documentation can be requested by contacting your AIB branch.