Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to financial support through Universal Credit. Universal Credit is a government benefit that can help if you are looking for work, on a low income, unable to work, or need support with living costs.
Money and Finances
Managing your money is an important part of everyday life, and having the right information can help you feel more confident and in control of your finances.
This section brings together information about benefits, budgeting, debt advice, savings, housing costs and other financial support that may be available to you. It also includes information about local and national organisations that can help if you are experiencing financial difficulties.
You'll find advice on managing everyday expenses such as rent, bills and household costs, as well as information to help you make informed decisions about your money and plan for the future.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to financial support through Universal Credit. Universal Credit is a government benefit that can help if you are looking for work, on a low income, unable to work, or need support with living costs.
If you are struggling with money, worried about paying bills, finding it difficult to afford food or heating, or dealing with debt, support is available.
The Worrying About Money? tool can help you find free advice and support based on your situation. Whether you have suddenly lost income, are waiting for a benefit decision, are struggling with rising living costs, or need help managing debt, the tool will guide you to organisations that may be able to help. It can also signpost you to support with benefits, emergency assistance, housing costs, energy bills and other financial concerns.
You do not have to wait until things become a crisis before asking for help. Getting advice early can help you understand your options and access support before money worries become more difficult to manage.
If you are struggling with money, worried about paying bills, finding it difficult to afford food or heating, or dealing with debt, support is available.
The Worrying About Money? tool can help you find free advice and support based on your situation. Whether you have suddenly lost income, are waiting for a benefit decision, are struggling with rising living costs, or need help managing debt, the tool will guide you to organisations that may be able to help. It can also signpost you to support with benefits, emergency assistance, housing costs, energy bills and other financial concerns.
You do not have to wait until things become a crisis before asking for help. Getting advice early can help you understand your options and access support before money worries become more difficult to manage.
If you live in privately rented accommodation, you will usually be responsible for paying Council Tax. The amount you pay and any discounts or exemptions available will depend on your circumstances and where you live.
You may be entitled to support if you:
- Are on a low income.
- Receive certain benefits.
- Are a student in full-time education.
- Live alone.
- Have a disability or other circumstances that affect your eligibility.
Contact your district or borough council to find out what discounts, exemptions or financial support may be available to you.
If you are unsure what help you can get, speak to your local council or seek independent benefits advice.
If you live in privately rented accommodation, you will usually be responsible for paying Council Tax. The amount you pay and any discounts or exemptions available will depend on your circumstances and where you live.
You may be entitled to support if you:
- Are on a low income.
- Receive certain benefits.
- Are a student in full-time education.
- Live alone.
- Have a disability or other circumstances that affect your eligibility.
Contact your district or borough council to find out what discounts, exemptions or financial support may be available to you.
If you are unsure what help you can get, speak to your local council or seek independent benefits advice.
Understanding what financial support may be available is important, but learning how to budget is just as valuable. Having a budget can help you stay in control of your money, avoid debt and plan for unexpected expenses.
A good place to start is by writing down all the money you have coming in, such as wages, benefits or other income, and then listing your regular expenses, such as rent, bills, food and travel. Seeing everything in one place can make it easier to manage your money and decide where you need to spend, save or cut back.
If you are struggling with money, debt or household bills, there are organisations that can provide free advice and support. Asking for help early can often prevent money worries from becoming a bigger problem.
Understanding what financial support may be available is important, but learning how to budget is just as valuable. Having a budget can help you stay in control of your money, avoid debt and plan for unexpected expenses.
A good place to start is by writing down all the money you have coming in, such as wages, benefits or other income, and then listing your regular expenses, such as rent, bills, food and travel. Seeing everything in one place can make it easier to manage your money and decide where you need to spend, save or cut back.
If you are struggling with money, debt or household bills, there are organisations that can provide free advice and support. Asking for help early can often prevent money worries from becoming a bigger problem.
If you rent your home, you may be eligible for financial support to help with housing costs, depending on your income and circumstances.
You may be able to claim:
- Universal Credit housing costs.
- Housing Benefit (in some circumstances).
- Council Tax discounts or support.
- Help with budgeting, debt advice or cost of living support.
If you are struggling with housing costs or are worried about losing your home, contact your local council or housing provider as soon as possible. Getting advice early can help prevent problems from becoming more serious.
If you rent your home, you may be eligible for financial support to help with housing costs, depending on your income and circumstances.
You may be able to claim:
- Universal Credit housing costs.
- Housing Benefit (in some circumstances).
- Council Tax discounts or support.
- Help with budgeting, debt advice or cost of living support.
If you are struggling with housing costs or are worried about losing your home, contact your local council or housing provider as soon as possible. Getting advice early can help prevent problems from becoming more serious.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that can help with the extra costs of living with a disability, long-term health condition or mental health condition. It is based on how your condition affects your daily life, not your diagnosis. You may be able to get PIP whether you are in education, training, work or not working.
PIP looks at:
- How easy or difficult it is for you to do everyday tasks.
- Whether you need support, supervision or reminders.
- Whether you have difficulties getting around safely or independently.
You may be able to claim PIP if:
- You are aged 16 or over.
- You have a long-term physical health condition, disability or mental health condition.
- Your condition makes everyday activities or getting around more difficult.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit that can help with the extra costs of living with a disability, long-term health condition or mental health condition. It is based on how your condition affects your daily life, not your diagnosis. You may be able to get PIP whether you are in education, training, work or not working.
PIP looks at:
- How easy or difficult it is for you to do everyday tasks.
- Whether you need support, supervision or reminders.
- Whether you have difficulties getting around safely or independently.
You may be able to claim PIP if:
- You are aged 16 or over.
- You have a long-term physical health condition, disability or mental health condition.
- Your condition makes everyday activities or getting around more difficult.
If you're facing financial difficulties or have an unexpected expense, you may be able to get help through Hampshire County Council's Crisis and Resilience Fund.
The fund can provide support with essential costs such as:
- Food
- Energy bills
- Essential household items
You may also be able to access budgeting advice, debt support and help to maximise your income. Applications are assessed individually based on your circumstances.
If you're struggling to afford essentials or have had a sudden change in circumstances, speak to your Personal Adviser or contact Citizens Advice to find out whether you may be eligible.
Find out more about the Crisis and Resilience Fund on Hampshire County Council's website.
If you're facing financial difficulties or have an unexpected expense, you may be able to get help through Hampshire County Council's Crisis and Resilience Fund.
The fund can provide support with essential costs such as:
- Food
- Energy bills
- Essential household items
You may also be able to access budgeting advice, debt support and help to maximise your income. Applications are assessed individually based on your circumstances.
If you're struggling to afford essentials or have had a sudden change in circumstances, speak to your Personal Adviser or contact Citizens Advice to find out whether you may be eligible.
Find out more about the Crisis and Resilience Fund on Hampshire County Council's website.
MoneyHelper
Free government-backed money guidance, budgeting tools, debt advice and benefits information.
Citizens Advice
Free and confidential advice about money, debt, housing, benefits and employment.
StepChange Debt Charity
Free debt advice and support if you're struggling with repayments.
Turn2Us
Help finding benefits, grants and other financial support.
National Debtline
Free and independent debt advice.
Benefits Calculator
Check what benefits and financial support you could receive.
MoneyHelper
Free government-backed money guidance, budgeting tools, debt advice and benefits information.
Citizens Advice
Free and confidential advice about money, debt, housing, benefits and employment.
StepChange Debt Charity
Free debt advice and support if you're struggling with repayments.
Turn2Us
Help finding benefits, grants and other financial support.
National Debtline
Free and independent debt advice.
Benefits Calculator
Check what benefits and financial support you could receive.