BENEFITS
For general information on benefits:
- England: Citizens advice
- Wales: Advicelink Cymru
- Scotland: Citizens Advice Scotland
- Northern Ireland: Advice NI
For Universal Credit visit the government website or call ✆ 0800 328 5644 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm).
Unemployment and work-related benefits contact Jobcentre Plus.
People with disabilities or carers should contact the Disability Service Centre.
See here for Child Benefit and Tax Credits call HMRC at ✆ 0300 200 3100.
Council Tax and Housing benefit is dealt with by your local council.
Pensioners should contact the Pensions Service or call ✆ 0800 731 0469. Welsh language: 0800 731 0453.
- Age Cymru Advice ✆ 0300 303 44 98
- Age Scotland Helpline ✆ 0800 12 44 222
- Age UK England ✆ 0800 678 1602
There’s a free online Benefits Calculator on the Quids in! website
DEBT ADVICE
- StepChange – the UK’s leading debt charity with a free phone line (✆ 0800 138 1111) and web chat
- National Debtline – UK debt advice charity (✆ 0808 808 4000)
- Citizens Advice – Network of UK charities offering a range of support on money, legal and consumer rights, and other issues (see above for Citizens Advice links based on country)
- Debt Arrangement Scheme (Scotland) – Scottish Government scheme to help people pay back debt and avoid court action (✆ 0141 241 6299)
LOAN SHARKS
The Illegal Money Lending Team tackles loan sharks. We can access free and confidential support or report illegal money lending by contacting the 24/7 helplines below.
England: Call ✆ 0300 555 2222, (07700 102773 on Whatsapp, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
Wales: Call ✆ 0300 123 3311 or email stoploansharkswales@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Scotland: Call ✆ 0800 074 0878 or email stopillegallending@cosla.gov.uk.
CREDIT UNIONS
Credit unions are not-for-profit organisations that provide bank accounts, loans and saving. They can help people the banks won’t. To find your local credit union click here, or call ✆ 0161 832 3694.
HOUSING
- Your local council – For help with benefits, council tax and other financial support
- Shelter – Homelessness and housing charity in England and Scotland
- Housing benefit – Help with paying rent if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. It’s being replaced by Universal Credit.
MENTAL HEALTH
- Your GP – Find your nearest GP practice and how to register
- NHS – Free self-assessment tools, advice and information
- Mind is a charity which offers a range of support including helplines, group activities, home visits, and advice on benefits and housing
- If you are really struggling to cope, contact Samaritans on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
QUIDS IN! CENTRES
Worried about the cost of living and making ends meet?
Do you live in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Gloucestershire or London? Pop along and see us at one of our drop-ins – we can help you maximise your income and bring your costs down. Average financial gains £1,426!
For a full list of drop- ins or if you can’t get to a drop in but would like some support with budgeting and money guidance over the phone, click below:
