Your money

MoneySavingExpert has a helpful benefits calculator that helps people find out if they're eligible for government benefits, grants and other financial support.

With the calculator, you can check what benefits you might be able to claim by entering details about your savings, income, pension, childcare costs, and any benefits you already receive.

Visit the MoneySavingExpert benefits calculator to see what support you may be qualified for.

If you're eligible for government benefits Citizens Advice can help you with the application process.

Go to the Citizens Advice website or call 0800 144 8 444 to get free help to claim universal credit payments and other benefits.

Or call our Customer Services Team on 0300 365 3100 and ask to speak to Rent Assist.

If you're worried about incurring debt, speak to an advisor for free at Mental Health and Money Advice. 

They have budgeting tools, people who will help you claim any benefits you're entitled to and top tips for managing your money to make it last. 

For help with your debt, please call one of the following organisations free of charge:

MoneyHelper: 0800 138 7777

National Debtline: 0808 808 4000

PayPlan: 0800 280 2816

Friends of the Elderly 

If you're an older person on a low income, you have less than £4000 in savings and you're in receipt of state benefits or a pension, the charity Friends of the Elderly has grants to support you. 

You will need a referral from someone like a doctor a social worker to support your grant application.

Visit Friends of the Elderly for more information and to start your application.

Alternatively, call them on 0330 332 1110.

 

St Andrew's Society for Ladies in Need

If you are a British-born woman who

• is retired or close to retirement age
• is unable to work because of disability/illness
• achieved a good standard of education
• receives benefits 
• has very limited savings

you can apply for a grant worth up to £500 from St Andrew's Society for Ladies in Need. 

For more information on how to apply, please write to their email: mpope1@btinternet.com

Hardship payments are for people with benefits sanctions (when your benefits reduce or stop).

In some cases, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) can give you hardship payments.

Hardship payments are loans. They have to be paid back. They are interest free.

You must have exhausted other options, like asking friends and family, before contacting the DWP.

Contact the universal credit helpline on  0800 328 5644

Tell the adviser if you're in rent arrears or struggling to feed your children.

Have bank statements ready. Make sure you know how much you spend on things like food, gas and electricity.

You normally get a same day decision. You can be paid on the same day.