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 The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is the only free, confidential, independent and non-judgmental service for people in debt, or in danger of getting into debt, in Ireland. Our Helpline (0761 07 2000) operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm.  You can also send an email to helpline@mabs.ie if you have any questions.

We are a national service with over 60 offices nationwide. For details of your nearest office, visit the Contact MABS area of our website.

The Citizens Information Board have statutory responsibility for MABS. MABS is funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board (www.citizensinformationboard.ie).

MABS works with clients by supporting them in drawing up realistic budgets and maximising their incomes.  MABS also supports clients in dealing with their debts according to their budgets. MABS does not give “financial advice” – we do not advise clients on investments or on specific financial products.  MABS also does not give out money.

Why do people contact MABS?

People often seek the help of MABS when:

• There are extra bills to pay because something has happened, such as being made redundant, an illness in the family, relationship difficulties or a bereavement
• They have no money left over to pay everyday bills
• The money coming into the household is less than it used to be, causing them to fall behind on loan repayments
• They have been living on a low income for a long time and are getting further and further behind because of the cost of mortgage, rent, medicines, childcare, travel etc.

Not being in control of your finances can be a difficult, lonely and sometimes desperate place to be. Financial difficulties can even affect your health and wellbeing. MABS’s experience is that financial difficulties can affect everyone, from high-income earners to people on low incomes. So if you are worried about money, you are not alone.

In an always non-judgmental and confidential setting, MABS is here to aid people in regaining control of their finances by helping them to set up an affordable and sustainable budget.

How will MABS work with me?

MABS Helpline

Many people can get the support and help they need by contacting the MABS Helpline on 0761 07 2000. Helpline Advisers can give advice and support on many money management and debt issues, and can also provide MABS self-help materials free of charge.

Local MABS Office

If you need an appointment with a MABS Money Adviser in your local MABS office, they will take a clear, structured approach in working with you. Depending on the type of support you need, they will help you to:

• Assess your situation
• Make out a budget and establish priorities
• Research your rights and entitlements
• Contact and negotiate with creditors  (MABS may do this on your behalf if it is necessary)
• Establish affordable offers to creditors
• Set up appropriate payment systems
• Monitor your situation and, if required, put in place new budgeting arrangements.

How do I make an appointment to see a Money Adviser?

Not everyone needs to see a Money Adviser in a local office. Many people can get the help they need by talking to one of our MABS Helpline Advisers or by following the MABS  Self Help Guide on this website. If you do need to see a Money Adviser in your local MABS office, you can phone up to discuss your situation before making an appointment.

How do I prepare for my first appointment with a Money Adviser?

If you have an appointment to meet with a MABS Money Adviser, you should try to gather together as much information as you can about your financial situation and bring all of the relevant documents with you. This includes:

• Your payslips or records of Social Welfare payments
• Recent bills
• Bank statements
• Credit union account details
• Any letters you have received from your creditor

Going through our Debt Management Guide and using a MABS spending diary may help you to prepare for your appointment. You can order or download either of these by clicking here.