The Federation of Family Budgeting Services says it is being inundated by people who have lost their jobs as a result of the global financial crisis.
Figures issued by the Ministry of Social Development on Thursday show that in the year to December, more than 30,000 people were on the unemployment benefit - 8,000 more than December 2007.
The federation says that figure is not at all surprising and the situation is likely to get worse before it improves.
It says that while in the past its services were used mainly by low income earners, the middle class is now also seeking advice after experiencing redundancies or cuts to overtime.
