Struggling with bills or debt in Sweden? Your municipality offers free help

How municipal budget and debt counselling works in Sweden: free confidential advice, help with creditors and support with debt restructuring.

If your budget no longer adds up or your debts are becoming difficult to manage, you do not necessarily need to pay a private company for help. Your municipality provides budget- och skuldrådgivning — municipal budget and debt counselling.

What is it?

Under Sweden’s Social Services Act, the municipal social welfare committee must offer budget and debt counselling when a person in debt needs guidance to find a long-term solution to their financial difficulties. The support must also remain available during a debt restructuring process and until an approved restructuring is fully completed.

Does it cost anything?

No. The counselling is free of charge. Konsumentverket also states that the adviser is bound by confidentiality (tystnadsplikt).

What can an adviser help with?

• reviewing your finances and building a realistic budget;
• working out which debts and expenses should be prioritised;
• contacting creditors and discussing possible arrangements;
• explaining whether debt restructuring — skuldsanering — may be relevant;
• helping you prepare an application and supporting you during the process.

What the adviser cannot do

The municipal adviser does not decide whether you qualify for skuldsanering. That decision is made by Kronofogden, the Swedish Enforcement Authority. Counselling can help you understand your options and prepare your case, but it cannot guarantee approval.

How to find your local service

1. Use Konsumentverket’s search for municipal budget and debt counselling.
2. Enter your municipality or address.
3. Open the contact details for your local service.
4. Contact them and briefly explain your situation.

You do not need to wait until the situation becomes critical. It can be useful to ask for help as soon as you see that your budget is no longer sustainable.

Official sources

• Konsumentverket — Vad kostar skuldrådgivning?
• Socialtjänstlag (2025:400), Chapter 13, Sections 2–3
• Skuldsaneringslag (2016:675)

Sources checked: 31 August 2026.