If you need money urgently or support to pay a bill you can’t afford, you're not alone. Before you think about taking out a loan, it’s really important to explore grants and free support first. It might feel very stressful, but thankfully, there are lots of options out there to help, including:
The government and local council
Energy and water suppliers
Charities and trust funds
Debt advice organisations
Community banks
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. We’ve broken down your options in this article. And if you need more help, Snorkl, our AI debt and bill support chatbot, can help you chat through the choices and find what works best for you. 💡
Using a benefits or grant checking tool could also help, or if you prefer speaking to a person, you can find a free debt adviser. Snorkl can help you with both of these too.
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How Can the Government Help Me? ⛑️
Did you know that many of us aren’t claiming all the benefits we’re entitled to? It's estimated that £22.7 billion worth of income-related benefits go unclaimed each year in Great Britain! 😲 Some of the most commonly missed benefits include Universal Credit, Council Tax Support, and Carer’s Allowance.
Online benefits checkers are super helpful for showing what you might be able to claim and guiding you on where to go to get them. Different benefits might have different application processes, so these tools make it easier to see what’s available to you.
If you're already on benefits or about to start, and you need a loan for urgent expenses, there are options for that too.
Where to Get Help:
Use a Benefits Checker: Tools like Turn2Us and EntitledTo can help you figure out what you’re eligible for and how to claim it.
Need Help Claiming? The Citizens Advice Help to Claim service is there to support you through the process, or you can speak to a debt adviser.
Urgent Financial Assistance:
Budgeting Loan: If you’ve been on certain benefits for at least 26 weeks and have an unexpected expense, you might qualify for this.
Benefit Advance: Waiting for your first benefit payment and need cash now? You might be able to get an advance.
What Support Does the Local Council Provide? 🆘
Your local council can be a great resource if you need emergency help with things like food, bills, or housing costs. They might offer direct payments, vouchers, or even fund local charities to provide support. If you’re struggling to pay rent, many councils also have specific programs like Discretionary Housing Payments to help top up your rent. 💡
You can also check to make sure you’re not overpaying council tax. You get 25% off your council tax bill if you are the only adult in your home. You may get a reduction if you have a low income or receive benefits. This is sometimes called 'council tax support'.
To Get Started:
Search for Support: Look up “Household Support” and “Discretionary Housing Payments” on your council’s website. These are two different types of help you might be eligible for.
Prefer not to be online? If you can’t find the information online, give your council a call, send an email, or visit their office in person.
Need more help: A grant finder tool can also help you discover any local council grants or other support you might be missing. A debt adviser might also be able to help.
Who Can Help with Food and Essentials? 🛒
Several charities and trust funds provide grants or vouchers for food, essential items, and other necessities.
Food Banks: The Trussell Trust operates over 1,200 food banks across the UK, offering food parcels and sometimes small credit top-ups for pre-payment meters. The Independent Food Aid Network also lists food banks.
Free School Meals: Check if your child is eligible for free school meals.
What Help Is There for Energy and Water Bills? 🔋
If you’re struggling to pay your energy or water bills, many providers offer hardship or social schemes, which can include lower rates, grants, or emergency credit. It's rare for suppliers to disconnect your service, especially if you're in communication with them and trying to make arrangements.
Check with Your Provider to See What Help Is Available:
If your supplier isn’t listed here, visit Charis Grants and Energy Saving Trust for more options.
What Are the Best Options for Borrowing? 🏦
If you’ve exhausted all other support options and checked out government loans, there are good and bad ways to borrow.
If you’re thinking about taking out a loan, it’s always a good idea to shop around first. Check out price comparison sites like Clearscore, Experian, or Credit Karma to make sure you're getting the best possible rate. 📊
A Quick Heads-Up: We strongly recommend avoiding payday loans, doorstep loans, or other forms of high-cost credit. These loans come with sky-high interest rates and fees, which can quickly lead to more financial trouble.
Instead, consider safer options like credit unions or government-run schemes. These can offer quick, emergency loans with much lower interest rates, making them a better choice if you need to borrow money.
What’s a Credit Union? A credit union is a community-based cooperative where members pool their savings to provide each other with low-interest loans. To join, you need to share something in common with other members, like:
Living or working in the same area
Working for the same employer
Belonging to the same church, trade union, or other association
Where to Get Help:
Find Your Credit Union: Locate a credit union near you and explore safer borrowing options.
Explore Loan Options: Use these price comparison sites to find the best rates:
How to Find a Free Debt Advice Organisation? 💁
If you’re worried about debt or struggling to pay your bills, don’t panic—there are free organizations ready to help. Whether you prefer to get support online, over the phone, or in person, these services can assist with urgent issues like being contacted by bailiffs, receiving a court summons, or facing repossession.
Meeting with an adviser in person can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with local issues like rent or Council Tax arrears. They often have direct links to the council and can help sort things out by speaking to the right person. But if you need quicker help, phone or online advice can be just as effective.
Where to Get Help:
Find an Adviser Near You: Use the MoneyHelper Debt Advice Locator to find free debt advice services in your area.
Reach Out to These Well-Known Free Advisers:
What Are Benefits/Grant Finders? 🔍
Benefit and grant finders, like Turn2Us and EntitledTo, scan available support based on your location, income, and other factors. These tools can help you discover benefits and grants you might not be aware of from a long list of different charities.
They often have different tools for benefits or grants, so make sure you check out both.
Other Useful Resources 📚
Here are some other articles or support we recommend:
Finding Free Advice: MoneyHelper’s Debt Advice Locator
Eviction Support: Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service and Shelter
Mental Health Support: Samaritans and Mind Charity
Other Emergency Support: StepChange or Shelter
Try Snorkl 🤿
Navigating these options can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Snorkl is an AI chatbot that offers instant, judgment-free support to help you get control of your money. Ask Snorkl questions, get clear options in under two minutes, find debt advisers, and much more.
