Support if you are worried about money

If you are of working age or pensionable age you may be eligible for one or more of the following benefits and support. 

• Universal Credit (opens new window) - a monthly payment to help with your living costs if you are of working age. You may be able to get it if you're on a low income, out of work or you cannot work.
• Housing Benefit - financial help with paying your rent. Most people eligible for Housing Benefit receive it through Universal Credit (opens new window), but you can apply for Housing Benefit separately if you have reached state pension age or live in supported, sheltered, or temporary housing.
• Council tax discounts and exemptions - Discounts are available for eligible groups such as carers, student nurses, apprentices and people who live alone.

You may be struggling because:

• lost job or reduced hours
• lost money or have an unexpected expense
• your money was stopped e.g. failed a medical
• relationship breakdown
• disaster e.g. flooding

More options to consider: 

• Apply for Help in a crisis welfare provision
• Maximise your income
• GOV.UK: Challenge a benefit decision (opens new window) - if you disagree with a decision about benefits, tax credits or child maintenance you can ask for the decision to be looked at again - this is called 'mandatory reconsideration'.