Many of us are worried about the increase in household and energy bills. To help you keep your finances on track, we've put together information on claiming benefits and other ways to maximise your income.

Worried about money? Our guide can help you to:

• Find out what benefits you can claim
• Get advice on mortgage, rent arrears and council tax
• Learn about budgeting and making a budget
• See what other benefits, schemes and further support that could help you
• Check you're paying the right amount of tax
• Save money on your water, gas and electricity bills
• Get debt and mental health support

Make sure you're getting all the benefits you're entitled to

Benefits are paid to you by the government and people miss out on over four billion pounds of benefits and tax credits each year. They're not only for people that are unemployed. You can also get help if you are:

• on a low income, or
• disabled, or care for a person with a disability, or
• a parent or guardian.

Depending on your circumstances you may be able to claim benefits to help with housing and council tax bills.

How to claim benefits

If you've already used our benefits calculator and think you are entitled to a benefit, read our guide to making a claim.

What to do if you've been overpaid benefits

. You should contact the office dealing with your benefit as soon as possible if:

• you think you've been overpaid a benefit, or
• your circumstances have changed since you started receiving a benefit.

You'll need to pay back any overpayments.

Find out how to deal with benefits overpayments  and what to do if you're struggling to repay what you owe.

Council tax, rates, rent and mortgages

Council tax (England, Wales and Scotland) and rates (Northern Ireland) are priority bills. There can be serious consequences to if you fail to keep up your payments.

It’s important to check you’re paying the right amount, find out if you’re entitled to any reductions, and get help if you’re struggling to pay.

Paying your council tax

Find out more about how your council tax is calculated, how to pay and whether you qualify for a discount on your council tax. Paying your council tax bills

Dealing with council tax, rates and rent arrears

If you miss a payment it's important to get in touch with the council, lettings agency or landlord and ask them to agree to an affordable payment plan to help you clear your arrears. Find out what to do if:

• You can’t pay your council tax
• You can’t pay your rates in Northern Ireland
• You can’t pay your rent or have missed a payment.
• You need more information on eviction for rent arrears

Get support paying your mortgage interest

If you’re currently on a benefit and struggling to pay your mortgage, the government can help you meet your mortgage interest payments. This is called Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI).

Find out more about Government Support for Mortgage Interest

Budgeting help and saving money

A budget is a list of all the money you receive and all the things you spend money over a certain period, usually a month.

Making a budget is the first step towards taking control of your finances and getting your situation back on track. Budgeting helps you see where your money is going, so it’s easier to make sure you’ve covered everything you need to pay for.

How to make a budget

More guides to saving money and increasing income

Other benefits, schemes and support

You could be able to access further benefits and schemes.

Make sure you're being paid under the right tax code

If you’ve just started work or recently changed jobs you could be on the wrong tax code.

You can find your tax code on your latest payslip, P45 or P60.

If you think your tax code is incorrect, you can update your employment details using the check your Income Tax online service.

If you think you’ve paid too much tax you can apply for a refund.

You won’t have a tax code if you’re self-employed, unemployed or only receiving the state pension.

Debt and mental health support

Money worries and poor mental health are often linked. If you’re struggling to cope, you’re not alone. Around half of our clients have told us they have depression, stress, anxiety, or they’re living with another mental health condition.

We have a range of support and resources if you’re struggling with debt and mental health.

Debt and mental health evidence form

The Debt and mental health evidence form (DMHEF) can help your creditors to understand any mental health issues you may be experiencing.

A health or social care professional needs to complete the form. If you agree to tell them, your creditors will then receive information from your health or social care professional.

Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space (MHCBS)

Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space is a debt respite scheme for people receiving mental health crisis treatment.

MHCBS is only available to residents of England and Wales with at least one qualifying debt to a creditor and if they're receiving mental health crisis treatment.