Free, neutral help when you need a person
Government services, regulators and non-profits that help for free. FinLII has no financial relationship with any of them. Your province is set to Ontario; change it at the top of the page.
Debt
Two kinds of professionals can help when debt is more than you can handle. Both offer a free first consultation.
Non-profit credit counselling
Budget help and, if it fits, a debt management plan: you repay what you owe, often with interest reduced. Look for agencies accredited by Credit Counselling Canada.Find an accredited agencyLicensed Insolvency Trustee
Federally licensed professionals who can file a consumer proposal or bankruptcy, the only legal ways to settle debts for less than you owe.Find a trustee (Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy)Learn first
See your options and compare payoff methods with your own numbers.Get out of high-interest debtTaxes and benefits
Filing a return every year, even with little or no income, is how most benefits are worked out.
Free tax clinics
Volunteers file your return if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation. In person, drop-off or virtual.Find a clinic (CRA)SimpleFile
If the CRA invites you, file by answering a few questions by phone, online or on paper.SimpleFile (CRA)Fraud and identity theft
Report quickly. It improves the chance of stopping further loss and helps warn others.
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
Report fraud and see current scams.1-888-495-8501antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.caYour local police
Always call police if you’ve lost money. Keep the file number they give you.Credit bureaus: fraud alerts
Ask for a fraud alert and your free credit reports.Equifax Canada 1-800-465-7166TransUnion Canada 1-800-663-9980Service Canada: stolen SIN
If your Social Insurance Number was stolen or misused. You may also be asked to visit a Service Canada Centre.1-866-274-6627Competition Bureau
Misleading or deceptive marketing.1-800-348-5358How to report fraud and scams in CanadaCredit reports
You can see your credit report from both bureaus for free, and dispute errors for free.
Bank complaints
Start with your bank’s own complaint process. If it doesn’t resolve things, outside help is free.
Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments (OBSI)
An independent service that reviews complaints about banks and investment firms after you’ve gone through the firm’s own process.obsi.caFinancial Consumer Agency of Canada
The federal regulator that oversees how banks treat customers, including rules like the $10 NSF fee cap and low-cost accounts.canada.ca/financial-consumer-agencyCommunity and wellbeing
Money stress affects everything else. These services can help beyond money.
Entries for your province have a dashed border. Programs and contact details change, so confirm with the organization before you act.
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