Check what benefits you’re entitled to
Every year, many people miss out on benefits they could be claiming.
You can use our free and confidential benefits calculator, provided by the national charity Turn2Us, to find out what you might be able to claim. It’s simple to use and only takes a few minutes.
You can also get more help and advice about managing your money or making a benefits claim on the Turn2Us website.
Use our free benefits calculator.
Find out more about Universal Credit.
Use the government's pension credit calculator.
Budgeting advice
A good first step is to write down what you spend each month. Think about things like:
- rent
- gas and electricity
- council tax
- food
- travel
- going out
- smoking
- anything else you pay for
You could use the Citizens Advice budgeting tool to see what you’re earning and spending, and where you might be able to cut costs.
Use Citizens Advice's budgeting tool.
Savings, loans and grants
If you need extra help, you could open a Credit Union account. Credit Unions let you save and borrow safely at fair rates.
You can find your nearest Credit Union online.
Please avoid loan sharks – they’re illegal and charge extremely high interest. You can find information on how to spot and report a loan shark on the Stop Loan Sharks website.
If you’re looking for support with debt or money worries, Citizens Advice and StepChange both offer free, practical guidance.
You can also use the Turn2Us grant search to check if any local hardship grants are available.
Check your council tax
If you’re the only adult in your home, you should get a 25% discount on your council tax.
You can also compare your Council Tax band with similar homes in your area to make sure you’re paying the right amount.
Check your council tax band.
If you think you’re paying too much, contact your local council to ask about re‑banding.
There are also benefits that can help with council tax payments, depending on your circumstances.
Use our benefits calculator to make sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to.
Worried about falling behind with rent payments?
If you’re worried about paying your rent, please talk to us as soon as you can. We’ll listen, understand your situation and offer practical support to help you get back on track.
Debt advice
There are steps you can take to reduce your debt, and it’s always better to start dealing with it early.
If you’re in financial hardship or don’t know where to begin, you can get free, confidential advice from:
Fraud and cyber crime advice
Fraud is when someone uses lies or trickery to gain an unfair or dishonest advantage over another person, usually to steal money or personal information.
Cyber crime is any criminal activity carried out using computers, phones or online networks.
Anyone can be targeted. Fraudsters and cyber criminals don’t just go after certain people - they look for opportunities. That means we all need to stay alert, protect our personal information and report anything that doesn’t feel right.
You can find more information on fraud, how to report it and how to prevent it at Action Fraud.
How to report fraud
- Police - All fraud in the UK is reported to the police at Action Fraud by phone: 0300 123 2040 or online: www.actionfraud.police.uk
- Banks - Dial 159 (Stop Scams UK Anti-Fraud Hotline)
An automated line which takes you through to your bank’s fraud team. For alternative ways of contacting your bank only use the contact details on your bank card or the official website. - Emails - Forward fraudulent emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
- Phone numbers - Forward phone numbers sending you fraudulent messages or calls to 7726