Free independent help and advice

If you find yourself in a difficult situation and in need of support, you can get free, independent advice from helpful organisations and charities, as well as your government.

Find the right support for you

Use our tool to find free help and advice, from various organisations.

Select the option most relevant to you

Am I eligible to apply for government benefits or grants?

I’m falling behind, or about to fall behind on my payments

I’d like some general advice about managing money

I’m in debt and could lose my home

I want to improve my online digital skills

I’m not sure what support I need

Turn2us


Who are they?	Turn2us is a national charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services.
What support can they offer?	check eligibility for benefits such as; Child Benefits, Universal Credit and more search for charitable grants financial information for your situation turn2us grants.
How to get in touch	Visit: turn2us
What will you need when you speak to them?	your earnings and savings, and any other investments or capital you might have any benefits you already claim for the adults and children in your home your annual Council Tax bill your rent or mortgage payments.

Turn2us


Who are they?	Turn2us is a national charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services.
What support can they offer?	check eligibility for benefits such as; Child Benefits, Universal Credit and more search for charitable grants financial information for your situation turn2us grants.
How to get in touch	Visit: turn2us
What will you need when you speak to them?	To make sure you get the best results possible, it helps to have the following to hand: your earnings and savings, and any other investments or capital you might have any benefits you already claim for the adults and children in your home your annual Council Tax bill your rent or mortgage payments.

Turn2us - Benefits and grants


Who are they?	Turn2us is a national charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services.
What support can they offer?	check eligibility for benefits such as; Child Benefits, Universal Credit and more search for charitable grants financial information for your situation turn2us grants.
How to get in touch	Visit: turn2us
What will you need when you speak to them?	To make sure you get the best results possible, it helps to have the following to hand: your earnings and savings, and any other investments or capital you might have any benefits you already claim for the adults and children in your home your annual Council Tax bill your rent or mortgage payments.

Citizens Advice


Who are they?	Citizens Advice have been providing free, impartial, independent advice for over 80 years. Giving people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem. This national charity and network of local charities offer confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.
What support can they offer?	reviewing existing benefits housing support the cost of living consumer issues understanding your rights managing debt.
How to get in touch	0800 144 8848 (England) 0800 702 2020 (Wales) 0800 028 1456 (Scotland) 0800 915 4604 (Northern Ireland) If you would like to find more information online, please visit: Citizens Advice.

Citizens Advice - General advice


Who are they?	Citizens Advice have been providing free, impartial, independent advice for over 80 years. Giving people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem. This national charity and network of local charities offer confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.
What support can they offer?	reviewing existing benefits housing support the cost of living consumer issues understanding your rights managing debt.
How to get in touch	Visit: Citizens Advice (England), or call: 0800 144 8848 Visit: Citizens Advice (Wales), or call: 0800 702 2020 Visit: Citizens Advice (Scotland), or call: 0800 028 1456 Visit: Citizens Advice NI (Northern Ireland), call: 0800 915 4604

StepChange


Who are they?	StepChange have a team of debt experts that help hundreds of thousands of people a year to deal with their debt problems. With 30 years' experience, you can be confident that they can provide the advice and support you need to achieve long-term financial control.
What support can they offer?	24/7, free flexible debt help based on your situation to get your finances back on track a wide range of practical debt solutions and support for however long it’s needed access to a benefits calculator and cost-of-living budgeting advice homeowner support through specialist mortgage and equity release teams.
How to get in touch	Visit: StepChange If you would like to speak to someone, please call 0800 138 1111 (Lines open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-2pm).
What will you need when you speak to them?	your income: any wages, benefits or other forms of income your outgoings: how much you spend each month on rent/mortgage, utilities, food, travel, and any other essential costs any debts you have, such as: Credit Cards, Loans, Car Finance, and any arrears on rent, utilities or Council Tax.

StepChange


Who are they?	StepChange have a team of debt experts that help hundreds of thousands of people a year to deal with their debt problems. With 30 years' experience, you can be confident that they can provide the advice and support you need to achieve long-term financial control.
What support can they offer?	24/7, free flexible debt help based on your situation to get your finances back on track a wide range of practical debt solutions and support for however long it’s needed access to a benefits calculator and cost-of-living budgeting advice homeowner support through specialist mortgage and equity release teams.
How to get in touch	Call: 0800 138 1111 (Lines open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-2pm). If you would like to find more information online, please visit StepChange.
What will you need when you speak to them?	your income: any wages, benefits or other forms of income your outgoings: how much you spend each month on rent/mortgage, utilities, food, travel, and any other essential costs any debts you have, such as: Credit Cards, Loans, Car Finance, and any arrears on rent, utilities or Council Tax.

Money Wellness - Debt advice


Who are they?	Money Wellness are passionate about improving financial wellbeing, offering free advice and support to over a million people for the last 30 years.
What support can they offer?	free debt advice free ongoing debt solutions free benefit and grant eligibility assessments partnered with additional support providers to offer mental health, gambling and addiction support where required.
How to get in touch	Visit: Money Wellness Call: 0800 307 7002 (Lines open Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm). We also offer: a callback option and calendar that you can access webchat and email communication channels.
What will you need when you speak to them?	A bank statement can be useful but not essential. The customer should have at least an hour available for an advice session.

StepChange - Debt advice


Who are they?	StepChange have a team of debt experts that help hundreds of thousands of people a year to deal with their debt problems. With 30 years' experience, you can be confident that they can provide the advice and support you need to achieve long-term financial control.
What support can they offer?	24/7, free flexible debt help based on your situation to get your finances back on track a wide range of practical debt solutions and support for however long it’s needed access to a benefits calculator and cost-of-living budgeting advice homeowner support through specialist mortgage and equity release teams.
How to get in touch	Visit: StepChange Call: 0800 138 1111 (Lines open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-2pm).
What will you need when you speak to them?	your income: any wages, benefits or other forms of income your outgoings: how much you spend each month on rent/mortgage, utilities, food, travel, and any other essential costs any debts you have, such as: Credit Cards, Loans, Car Finance, and any arrears on rent, utilities or Council Tax.

Money Wellness


Who are they?	Money Wellness are passionate about improving financial wellbeing, offering free advice and support to over a million people for the last 30 years.
What support can they offer?	free debt advice free ongoing debt solutions free benefit and grant eligibility assessments partnered with additional support providers to offer mental health, gambling and addiction support where required.
How to get in touch	Call: 0800 307 7002 (Lines open Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm). We also offer: a callback option and calendar that you can access webchat and email communication channels.
What will you need when you speak to them?	your income: any wages, benefits or other forms of income your outgoings: how much you spend each month on rent, mortgage, utilities, food, travel, and other essential costs any debts you have, such as: Credit Cards, Loans, Car Finance, and any arrears on rent, utilities or Council Tax. Ensure you have at least an hour available for an advice session.

PayPlan


Who are they?	PayPlan offer free, confidential debt advice and solutions to make life more affordable. Instant support tailored to your needs. Available via phone, WhatsApp, live chat and 24/7 online.
What support can they offer?	debt advice debt solutions budgeting advice
How to get in touch	Visit: PayPlan. If you would like to speak to someone, please call 0800 980 4162. (Lines open Mon-Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–3pm).
What will you need when you speak to them?	It would be helpful to have information such as a bank statement to hand, however, don’t worry if you don’t as our adviser will still be able to support you.

PayPlan - Debt advice


Who are they?	PayPlan offer free, confidential debt advice and solutions to make life more affordable. Instant support tailored to your needs. Available via phone, WhatsApp, live chat and 24/7 online.
What support can they offer?	debt advice debt solutions budgeting advice
How to get in touch	Visit: PayPlan. If you would like to speak to someone, please call 0800 980 4162. (Lines open Mon-Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–3pm).
What will you need when you speak to them?	It would be helpful to have information such as a bank statement to hand, however, don’t worry if you don’t as our adviser will still be able to support you.

Shelter


Who are they?	Shelter exists to defend the right to a safe home and fight the devastating impact the housing emergency has on people and society. They give advice, information and advocacy to people, work in communities to understand the housing emergency and change the system and carry out ground-breaking research and campaigns. We work in partnership with Shelter Cymru in Wales and the Housing Rights Service in Northern Ireland, as well as Focus Ireland in Ireland.
What support can they offer?	We can help: locally - our advice and support services offer one-to-one, personalised help with housing issues and homelessness online - on our website, find expert information about everything from reclaiming your deposit to applying as homeless, or speak to an adviser over webchat over the phone - our free emergency helpline is open 365 days a year to answer calls from anyone struggling with a housing issue or homelessness legal - our solicitors provide free legal advice and attend court to help people who’ve lost their homes or are facing eviction.
How to get in touch	Visit: Shelter Call: 0808 800 4444 (Lines open Mon to Fri, 8am-6pm).
What will you need when you speak to them?	It is useful to have documents ready before you call, like your tenancy agreement, relevant letters or messages.

Shelter - Housing


Who are they?	Shelter exists to defend the right to a safe home and fight the devastating impact the housing emergency has on people and society. They give advice, information and advocacy to people, work in communities to understand the housing emergency and change the system and carry out ground-breaking research and campaigns. We work in partnership with Shelter Cymru in Wales and the Housing Rights Service in Northern Ireland, as well as Focus Ireland in Ireland.
What support can they offer?	We can help: locally - our advice and support services offer one-to-one, personalised help with housing issues and homelessness online - on our website, find expert information about everything from reclaiming your deposit to applying as homeless, or speak to an adviser over webchat over the phone - our free emergency helpline is open 365 days a year to answer calls from anyone struggling with a housing issue or homelessness legal - our solicitors provide free legal advice and attend court to help people who’ve lost their homes or are facing eviction.
How to get in touch	Visit: Shelter Call: 0808 800 4444 (Lines open Mon to Fri, 8am-6pm).
What will you need when you speak to them?	It is useful to have documents ready before you call, like your tenancy agreement, relevant letters or messages.

We are digital


Who are they?	We are digital believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed, no matter their circumstances. They empower people to take control of their lives and create positive change. The Digital Helpline, provided in partnership with Lloyds Banking Group, helps get you online through personalised training and support. Developing your digital skills and learning how to access online services, such as online banking - can help you be more confident in everyday life.
What support can they offer?	Free 1-2-1 digital skills training over the phone, helping you learn how to: use digital devices, such as laptops, phones and tablets how to open an email account facetime and call with family and friends shop online for groceries use price comparison websites staying safe online.
How to get in touch	Call: 0345 222 0333 (Lines open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) Those who are Deaf and use British Sign Language (BSL) can book a session using SignVideo. Available on Safari, Chrome or Firefox web browsers. Customers who have hearing loss or a speech impairment can use the service through Relay UK.

We are digital - Online digital training


Who are they?	We are digital believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive and succeed, no matter their circumstances. They empower people to take control of their lives and create positive change. The Digital Helpline, provided in partnership with Lloyds Banking Group, helps get you online through personalised training and support. Developing your digital skills and learning how to access online services, such as online banking - can help you be more confident in everyday life.
What support can they offer?	Free 1-2-1 digital skills training over the phone, helping you learn how to: use digital devices, such as laptops, phones and tablets how to open an email account facetime and call with family and friends shop online for groceries use price comparison websites staying safe online.
How to get in touch	Call: 0345 222 0333 (Lines open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) Those who are Deaf and use British Sign Language (BSL) can book a session using SignVideo. Available on Safari, Chrome or Firefox web browsers. Customers who have hearing loss or a speech impairment can use the service through Relay UK.

Government support

Your national government offers guidance on a range of benefits and housing options that you may be eligible for:

England expandable section
Wales expandable section

There is free independent support and advice funded by the Welsh government. This includes help with employment, transport, housing and other living costs.

Get help now

Your government also offers lots of help with the rising cost of living. This includes support with energy bills, childcare costs and debt.

Cost of living support
Scotland expandable section

There is free independent support and advice funded by the Scottish government. This includes help with benefits, social care and housing.

Get help now

Your government also offers lots of help with the rising cost of living. This includes support with energy bills, childcare costs and travel costs.

Cost of living support
Northern Ireland expandable section

The Finance Support Service supports people who live in Northern Ireland and need short-term financial help.

Get help now

Your government offers lots of help with the rising cost of living. This includes support with energy bills, health costs and income support.

Cost of living support

If you’re in financial difficulties or on a low income, you can get help and advice from your government and local councils. This includes help with heating, housing and other living costs.

Your government also offers lots of help with the rising cost of living through their Help for Households campaign. This includes support with energy bills, childcare costs and transport costs.

Help for Households

More support

Remember, we’ll never get in touch to ask you to move money to another account, for your banking details or to take control of a computer. The organisations listed on this page won’t do this either.