Debts and budget

Bills are piling up? Here you see what debt collection (Betreibung) is and who helps you in Luzern.

Debts cause stress. But there is help. The counselling is often free.

The most important bills first

Pay rent and health insurance first. These 2 bills are the most important. Otherwise you risk your flat and your insurance.

Budget

A budget shows: What comes in, what goes out? Write down all income and expenses. The budget counselling service (Budgetberatung) helps you with this.

What is debt collection (Betreibung)?

If you do not pay a bill, the creditor can start debt collection (Betreibung) against you. The debt collection office (Betreibungsamt) sends you a payment order (Zahlungsbefehl). This is an official letter.

  • The claim is correct? You have 20 days to pay.
  • The claim is not correct? File an objection (Rechtsvorschlag) within 10 days at the debt collection office.

You do not pay and do not file an objection? Then the office can seize your wage or belongings. Do not ignore the letter and go to counselling immediately.

Help in Luzern

  • Fachstelle für Schuldenfragen Luzern (debt counselling, Schuldenberatung)
  • Caritas Luzern, social and debt counselling
  • Social counselling service (Sozialberatung) of your municipality

What you can do now

  1. Sort all bills. Pay rent and health insurance first.
  2. Call the debt counselling service. Bring all letters.
  3. Received a payment order? React within 10 days.
  4. Unsure? Ask FABIA or the Amt für Migration. This app is not legal advice.

ch.ch, Betreibung: Zahlungsbefehl, Rechtsvorschlag, Pfändung (2026-09-21)

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