Free independent help and advice

It can feel lonely when you’re worrying about money. So, it’s good to know that there’s someone you can talk to. These organisations, and your government can offer you free help, support and guidance.

Support from your government

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

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.

Get help now


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

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

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

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

Cost of living support

  • Help with understanding your income and if there is any other support you may be eligible for such as government benefits and grants.

    Turn2Us Logo.

    Turn2Us - Financial support charity

    • Understand your eligibility for benefits and grants that you weren't aware of. Turn2Us can help you search for these to support with the cost of living
    • Online benefits calculator
    • Speak to an adviser in your local area

    Call: 0808 802 2000

    Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm 

    Visit Turn2Us

    Turn2Us benefits calculator

    Citizens Advice logo.

    Help from Citizens Advice

    • Free advice on a range of topics, including benefits, debt, housing and consumer rights
    • Help with managing your money
    • Practical and impartial support online, in person or over the phone

    Call: 0800 144 8848 or 0800 702 2020 if you’re in Wales.

    Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm 

    Visit Citizens Advice

  • Organisations can also help with issues beyond financial concerns.

    Shelter logo.

    Shelter Housing and Homeless Charity

    • Housing advice including mortgages, rent and benefits    
    • Help with money and debts 
    • Talk to someone online or by phone 

    Contact Shelter using their online support page

    Visit Shelter

    Mental Health and Money Advice logo.

    Mental Health and Money Advice

    • Clear, practical advice and support for people experiencing mental health and money worries
    • Specialist knowledge of benefits, managing money and mental health care
    • Award-winning UK-wide online advice service

    Visit Mental Health & Money Advice

    MoneyHelper logo.

    Guidance from MoneyHelper

    • Government-backed with advice on benefits, tax, pensions, homes and savings 
    • Money calculators, helpful articles and regular updates 
    • Support available online, over the phone or face-to-face

    Call: 0800 138 7777 for money guidance or 0800 011 3797 for pensions guidance.

    Lines open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm

    Visit MoneyHelper

    We are digital logo.

    The Digital Helpline – A service provided by We Are Digital

    • Free 1-2-1 digital skills training over the phone
    • Topics include; Internet Banking, online food shopping, booking a doctor’s appointment, using a website, staying in touch with friends and family through video calls, and more

    Call: 0345 222 0333

    Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

    Those who are Deaf and use British Sign Language (BSL) can book a session using BSL 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.

    Citizens Advice logo.

    Help from Citizens Advice

    • Free advice on a range of topics, including benefits, debt, housing and consumer rights
    • Help with managing your money
    • Practical and impartial support online, in person or over the phone

    Call: 0800 144 8848 or 0800 702 2020 if you’re in Wales.

    Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm 

    Visit Citizens Advice

Don’t leave it too late to get help. Charities and organisations offer free advice to help you on your journey back to financial health. Some providers are able to help you set in place agreements with your creditors to help stop or reduce fees and charges and make affordable payments towards your debt.

StepChange logo.

StepChange Debt Charity

  • Free, impartial advice to get your finances back on track 
  • A wide range of practical debt solutions
  • Support online 24/7 or by phone

Call: 0800 138 1111

Lines open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm and Sat 8am-4pm

Visit StepChange

PayPlan logo.

PayPlan - Free debt advice and support

  • Free, confidential debt advice  
  • A personalised action plan for your money 
  • Help available online or by phone

Call: 0800 280 2816

Lines open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm and Sat 9am-3pm

Visit PayPlan

Citizens Advice logo.

Help from Citizens Advice

  • Free advice on a range of topics, including benefits, debt, housing and consumer rights
  • Help with managing your money
  • Practical and impartial support online, in person or over the phone

Call: 0800 144 8848 or 0800 702 2020 if you’re in Wales.

Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm 

Visit Citizens Advice

National Debtline logo.

National Debtline

  • Free, confidential debt advice 
  • Guides, fact sheets, budgeting tools and sample letters 
  • Advice via phone and online

Call: 0808 808 4000

Lines open Mon-Fri 9am-8pm and Sat 9.30am-1pm

Visit National Debtline

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.