Can I get any financial support from the government?
Check your benefits
People in the UK miss out on billions of pounds in benefits and tax credits. This includes a range of discounts and support.
Check what you can get by using our free benefits calculator.
Budgeting loans
The government no longer offers crisis loans. You should apply for a budgeting loan instead.
You may be able to get this if you have an unexpected expense.
You must also be on one of these benefits for at least 26 weeks:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credits
You can use budgeting loans to help pay for things like:
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Moving costs
- Maternity expenses
- Travel costs
The amount you can apply for depends on your situation.
Repayments come out of your benefits.
Hardship payments
Hardship payments are for people who have had benefits sanctions and cannot pay their essential bills.
Hardship payments apply to:
- Universal Credit (UC)
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Read our guide about hardship payments and how to apply.
Short-term benefit advances
You may be able to apply for a short-term benefit advance.
This is when the benefit is paid early.
The advance is then repaid by deductions from future payments, usually over 12 weeks.
You can get a short-term benefit advance if:
- You need money before your first benefits payment is made
- You need money urgently before your benefits are increased
- Your benefit will not be paid on its due date, for example because of technical problems
Most benefits can be applied for through your local Jobcentre Plus.
Read our guide to claiming benefits.
Can I stop my creditors chasing me for money?
Ask for a payment holiday
You can apply for a payment holiday from your:
- Mortgage
- Credit card
- Loan
- Hire purchase agreement
You need to make up the payments missed during a payment holiday. These get treated as arrears.
Interest and charges may continue to be added.
Use one of our template letters to contact your creditors.
You can also contact us for free help with your debts.
Breathing Space to deal with your money worries
Also called the Debt Respite Scheme.
Breathing Space stops your creditors from contacting you while you deal with your debts.
If eligible, you can get up to 60 days' break from interest, fees and court action.
Breathing Space is only available in England and Wales. In Scotland, the moratorium is a similar scheme, available for up to six months.
Read our guide to Breathing Space and find out if you can apply.
Priority bills
Some bills are called priorities because the impact of not paying them is greater.
You should pay these first:
- Council tax
- Rent
- Mortgage
- Gas & Electricity
Learn about which debts to pay first.
I can’t pay my utility bills, what can I do?
Energy arrears are priority debts.
Contact your supplier. They can discuss options with you.
Energy companies can offer:
- Social tariffs (lower tariffs)
- Hardship funds
- Priority service registers
Some foodbanks can give small top-ups for pre-payment meters.
See our guide to dealing with energy bills for:
- What to do if you owe the supplier money
- How to make sure you are treated fairly
The Energy Saving Trust has tips for saving money on energy bills and applying for financial support.
Water bills
Water suppliers have support available for people on low incomes and/or benefits.
Help varies between suppliers - read more about support from water companies.
Can I get help with my mortgage?
Speak to your mortgage provider as soon as you can.
They can help you set up a plan to pay back missed payments.
They may also be able to offer you:
- A payment holiday
- An interest only mortgage
- A longer mortgage term
- An assisted voluntary sale scheme
Help from the government may be available if you receive benefits.
Find out more about mortgage arrears