The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS)

 

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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 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.

Contact MABS

If you have a question that has not been answered by the content on this website, you can contact the MABS Helpline at:

MABS Helpline 0761 07 2000, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 8 pm

or you can email your query to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Request for call back

If you would like to request a call back from MABS, please write "Request for call back" in the subject line of your email. Don't forget to provide a phone number you can talk on privately, and one of our Helpline Advisers will try to call you back by the end of the next working day.

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.