How to Get Help with Money: A Comprehensive Guide for Financial Support in the UK

Life gets hard. Bills can pile up. An unexpected cost can change everything. If you are struggling to pay for food, rent, or heat, it can feel like you are completely alone.

You are not. Help is here for you. This guide shows you exactly where to turn for financial help. We cut through the confusion to give you simple, clear steps to find support and build a stable future for your family.

Why Asking for Help is a Sign of Strength

Worrying about money is stressful. It affects your health and your family. Many people in the UK face these same struggles every day. A network of honest support exists to give you the help you need.

Taking action early is the best way forward. Addressing money problems quickly stops them from getting bigger. As the experts at Citizens Advice say, Don’t ignore bills or letters about money you owe. You can find out how to start dealing with your debts.

Taking the first step is how you take back control.

Government Support and Benefits

The UK government has systems in place to provide monetary help. These are designed to be a safety net for people with low incomes, disabilities, or who care for others. Many people who could get this help don’t know about it.

It is vital to check what financial help you are entitled to.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is one single monthly payment to help with your living costs. It is for people who are on a low income or are not currently working.

This payment has replaced older benefits. If you need help, this is often the first benefit to apply for. Your eligibility depends on your income and your family situation.

Other Important Benefits

Many other types of support exist. Here are some of the most common ones.

Pension Credit

If you are over the State Pension age and have a low income, Pension Credit can give you extra money. It also unlocks other help, like a free TV licence and support with your Council Tax.

Disability Benefits

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is help for people with a long-term health condition or disability. This money helps with the extra costs that come from your condition.

Housing Help

If you rent your home, you can get money to help pay for it. This is usually part of Universal Credit. Your local council can also offer extra emergency payments called Discretionary Housing Payments if you are at risk of losing your home.

Carer’s Allowance

Do you spend a lot of time looking after someone who is ill or disabled? You may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance. This is to support you in your vital role.

Child Benefit

This is a regular payment from the government to help with the cost of raising your children.

Cost of Living Payments

The government sometimes makes extra one-off payments to help with high energy bills and food costs. If you get certain benefits, these payments are often made automatically. Check the GOV.UK website for updates.

How to Check What You Can Get

You do not need to be an expert to figure this out. Free, private tools can show you how to get financial help.

1. Use a Benefits Calculator. Websites like Turn2us, MoneyHelper, and Citizens Advice have simple, free calculators. They take about 10 minutes to fill out and show you exactly what you could apply for.
2. Use the GOV.UK Checker. The official government website has a tool called Check benefits and financial support you can get. This is a trusted place to start.

Checking your entitlements is a simple step that could bring in much-needed money.

How to Get Help with Money From Your Local Council

Your local council is often the best place to turn for immediate help. They have funds specifically to help residents who are in a crisis.

The Household Support Fund

Every local council in the UK has a Household Support Fund. This is money set aside to help people who are struggling to pay for essentials.

This fund can provide food vouchers, grants for energy bills, or money for other urgent needs. How you get this help is different for each council, so you must check your local council’s website.

If you’re in the E4 area of East London, including Highams Park and Chingford, our team at the Waltham Forest food bank can help you access this support. We’re open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 1pm, offering both food bank services and free debt advice in Waltham Forest.

Discretionary Housing Payments (DHPs)

Are you getting help with your rent but still can’t afford it all? Your council may be able to give you a DHP. This is an extra payment to stop you from falling behind on rent and risking your home.

Other Local Help

Your council may also offer:

• Council Tax Support. You might be able to get your Council Tax bill reduced if you are on a low income.
• Help with energy savings. Some councils can help you make your home warmer, which saves you money on bills in the long run.

Contacting your council is a key step for emergency financial help.

Grants from Charities: Financial Help That Doesn’t Need Repaying

Charities often give out grants to people in need. A grant is a gift of money that you do not have to pay back.

This monetary help can be a lifeline when you have nowhere else to turn.

Turn2us: Your Grant Search Tool

Turn2us is a national charity focused on helping people find support. Their website has a powerful Grants Search tool.

You enter your personal details, your job history, and your location. The tool then shows you a list of charities that might be able to give you a grant.

Finding the Right Charity

Many charities focus on helping specific groups of people.

• For illness or disability: Charities like Macmillan Cancer Support or Scope have grants.
• For certain jobs: If you or a family member worked in a specific trade (like construction, retail, or healthcare), there may be a charity fund just for you.
• For families: Organisations like Family Action offer grants for essential items for children.
• For energy bills: Your energy company may have its own hardship fund. The British Gas Energy Trust is open to everyone, even if they are not a British Gas customer.

Searching for a charitable grant is a worthwhile effort.

How Can I Get Financial Help When In Debt?

Debt can feel scary. Ignoring it only makes it worse. There are free, trusted experts who can help you deal with it. They will not judge you. Their only job is to help you find a solution.

StepChange Debt Charity

StepChange is the UK’s top debt charity. Their advice is free, expert, and confidential. They will listen to your situation and explain your options clearly.

They can help you set up a plan to manage your debts. This could be a Debt Management Plan (DMP), where you make one affordable payment each month. For more serious debt, they can explain options like an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) or a Debt Relief Order (DRO).

A cash crisis can happen to anyone. At StepChange Debt Charity, we’ve got free advice and resources if you urgently need help.

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice offers free advice on almost any problem, including debt. They can help you talk to the people you owe money to and find the right path forward.

They have local offices all over the UK. You can also get help on their website or over the phone.

MoneyHelper

MoneyHelper is a service backed by the government. It offers free and fair guidance on money and debt. Their website has simple guides and tools to help you understand your choices.

A Warning: Avoid High-Cost Loans

When you need money fast, it is tempting to use payday loans or other high-cost lenders. These loans are very expensive and almost always make your situation worse.

These types of loans are expensive and often make your financial situation worse.

Shelter England warns, Always talk to a free debt charity first.

Help with Food and Other Essentials

If you do not have enough money for food, help is available today. Recent research from Trussell Trust shows that approximately 9.5 million people in the UK are living in a state of hunger and hardship, with 3.8 million children (27%) living in homes where people are forced to skip meals because of financial concerns.

Food Banks

Food banks provide emergency food parcels for people in crisis.

To use a food bank, you usually need a referral.

• What is a ‘referral’? A referral is like a permission slip. It is a voucher or a letter from a professional, like a doctor, a social worker, or an adviser at Citizens Advice. It confirms that you need food support.

Looking for a food bank in Chingford? Our Highams Park Hub offers emergency food support to E4 residents. We’re open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11am to 1pm, offering both food bank services and free debt advice in Waltham Forest.

Local Welfare Schemes

Your local council may have a welfare scheme. This can provide vouchers for food or essential items like a cooker or a fridge if yours has broken. This support is often connected to the Household Support Fund.

Community Support

Beyond official schemes, community organisations can provide valuable support. Our community cafe at Highams Park Hub is open every Wednesday from 11am to 2pm, offering a welcoming space where you can enjoy affordable meals and connect with others. It runs alongside our food bank and debt advice services, creating a supportive environment for all E4 residents.

If you’d like to help others in your community, please consider making a cash donation to our food bank. Every contribution makes a difference in supporting local families facing financial hardship.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q: I have a job. How can I get financial help?

A: Yes, you can still receive support while working. Many schemes, like the Household Support Fund and Universal Credit, are designed for people on low incomes, including those in employment. Use an online benefits calculator to check your eligibility for various forms of assistance that could supplement your income.

Q: I can’t pay my energy bill. What should I do?

A: Call your energy supplier immediately. They must work with you to find a solution. They can set up affordable payment plans, connect you with hardship funds, or offer other support options. Many suppliers have special grants specifically for customers struggling with energy debt.

Q: Where can I find free, trusted debt advice?

A: Turn to StepChange Debt Charity, Citizens Advice, or MoneyHelper for reliable support. These organisations provide completely free advice tailored to your situation. Never pay commercial companies for debt advice when these quality free services are available to everyone.

Q: How can I get money for food today?

A: For immediate food help, contact your local council about their Household Support Fund. They may provide food vouchers or direct financial assistance. Alternatively, get a referral to a food bank from Citizens Advice, your GP surgery, or social services for same-day emergency food parcels.

Q: What financial help is available in East London’s E4 area?

A: In E4 (Highams Park and Chingford), the Highams Park Hub offers food bank services, debt advice, and a community cafe. We’re open Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am-1pm, and Wednesdays 11am-2pm. Contact us for immediate support with food, financial guidance, and connection to local authority services.

Your Path Forward

Facing money problems is hard, but you do not have to do it by yourself. Honest and practical help is available across the UK. The system is there to act as a safety net.

The most important step is the first one: reaching out. Use the tools in this guide. Call your local council. Speak to a debt adviser. Every action you take is a step toward stability.

The shocking reality is that 14.3 million people in the UK are currently living in poverty, with millions more in a financially vulnerable position. The cost of living crisis has pushed an additional 1.5 million people into hardship, including 400,000 children. Food bank usage has jumped from 0.9% to 1.5% of the population, showing how many families are struggling to meet basic needs.

These statistics remind us that financial hardship can affect anyone, but they also demonstrate why support services exist. You deserve help, and it’s available. Don’t let pride or fear stop you from accessing the assistance that could turn your situation around.

You have the strength to get through this. Help is waiting for you.

About the Author

Karim is a human being and helps at Highams Park Hub. Karim was homeless towards the end of 2016 and is grateful to have moved on, working in the financial markets for a while and now helping small businesses, charities and nonprofits with their digital marketing.

Sources

• Citizens Advice. (n.d.). Get help with the cost of living. Retrieved from https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/cost-of-living/get-help-with-the-cost-of-living/
• GOV.UK. (n.d.). Check benefits and financial support you can get. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/check-benefits-financial-support
• GOV.UK. (n.d.). Get help with the cost of living from your local council. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/cost-living-help-local-council
• Joseph Rowntree Foundation. (2025). UK Poverty 2025: The essential guide to understanding poverty in the UK. Retrieved from https://www.jrf.org.uk/uk-poverty-2025-the-essential-guide-to-understanding-poverty-in-the-uk
• MoneyHelper. (n.d.). Free and impartial help with money, backed by the government. Retrieved from https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en
• StepChange Debt Charity. (n.d.). Free Expert Debt Help & Advice. Retrieved from https://www.stepchange.org/
• The Trussell Trust. (2025). End of year food bank stats. Retrieved from https://www.trussell.org.uk/news-and-research/latest-stats/end-of-year-stats
• Turn2us. (n.d.). Tackling Financial Insecurity Together. Retrieved from https://www.turn2us.org.uk/