If you are struggling with money, you should check you are getting the correct support. Up to 7 million people are not claiming benefits they are entitled to. Check that you are not one of them with Fighting UK Poverty - Turn2us. This also includes those of State Pension age who may be entitled to Pension Credit.
Immediate financial help
If you need immediate financial help you may be entitled to emergency support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or us - Immediate financial help.
If you require assistance with paying your Council Tax, you may be entitled to a reduction, discount or exemption to help reduce your bill. Reducing your Council Tax can help you identify financial help which may be available to you based on your current circumstances.
Debt and money
You can find further help and information on managing debt and advice for dealing with creditors on our debt and money page.
Breathing Space Debt Respite Scheme
If you are in debt and need a break from interest, fees, and court action for up to 60 days, the Breathing Space Debt Respite Scheme may be able to help.
You can find further information on the GOV.UK website.
Citizen Advice (CA)
Your local Citizens Advice provides free and independent advice to anyone who is struggling with money problems.
You can get advice in lots of different ways, through -
- face-to-face meetings
- over the phone
- by webchat
- letter
Advisors can help with -
- benefit checks
- completing complex forms
- negotiating with third parties
such as -
- the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
- creditors that you owe money to
- writing letters to councils
- employers
- landlords
- energy suppliers
To get help or find out more visit Citizens Advice.
Gambling
In Hull, there are several free support options if gambling is causing harm to you or someone you care about.
Gamcare Yorkshire and Humber
Gamcare Yorkshire and Humber are a regional service that offers flexible support across our area. They can also provide targeted money guidance to help manage gambling financial related issues.
The national gambling helpline is free, confidential and open 24/7.
NECA Gambling Practitioners
NECA works with Gamble Aware to deliver free, specialist gambling advice and information for individuals and families that need help.
Family Information Service
Find out what funded childcare there is available from the Family Information Service website.
Mobile phones
The National Databank provides the following services free, for people in need -
- mobile data
- texts
- calls
Anyone that does not have regular access to the internet can visit their nearest Virgin Money store and pick up an O2 sim card with 20GB of free data. This is enough for around 220 hours of internet browsing every month. The free data allowance renews every month and lasts for 6 months.
PDSA
You may be entitled to help form the PDSA for your pet. You can access the PDSA Eligibility checker.
You can sign up to My Revenue and Benefits Account for your benefit claim information to provide proof you are in receipt of Housing Benefit for PDSA.
If you are in receipt of Universal Credit, you can use your Universal Credit Journal.
Council Tax
If you need assistance with paying your Council Tax, you may be entitled to a Reduction, Discount or Exemption to help reduce your bill. We can help you identify financial help which may be available to you based on your current circumstances.
Help for Households
The Help for Households campaign brings together over 40 support schemes that you may be able to access depending on eligibility. There are also online tools for you to check the support you might be eligible for and how to access it.
You can access our interactive map, which shares free and affordable events taking place. If you have any events you would like to include, share your events by completing a short form (opens in new window).
Pension Credit
Pension Credit has two parts - Guaranteed Credit and Savings Credit. A person may be able to get one or both parts depending on their circumstances. The type of Pension Credit you get may affect which passported benefits you may automatically get.
Four ways Pension Credit helps pensioners save -
- Housing costs - Pension Credit can help with certain housing costs. Eligible pensioners might also qualify for a Local Council Tax Reduction to lower their council tax bill, Housing Benefit if they're renting, or Support for Mortgage Interest if they own their home.
- Energy bills - Pension Credit unlocks access to additional energy support. Eligible pensioners could receive the Warm Home Discount to reduce electricity costs and Cold Weather Payments during particularly cold spells.
- Health and wellbeing - Pension Credit can provide access to essential NHS services. This includes dental treatment and help with transport costs for hospital appointments.
- TV Licence - Pensioners aged 75 and over who are eligible for Pension Credit qualify for a free TV Licence.