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Free help and advice

National charities and free services for money, housing, work and wellbeing.

Before you start

Free, independent help exists for almost every money, housing, health and family problem. This page collects well-known national organisations in one place. Calls to the numbers below are free unless stated, but check each website for the latest hours. Some services cover England only, and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland often have their own versions.

New to the UK? See Moving to the UK for money guides and help for newcomers.

Money, debt and general advice

  • Citizens Advice: advice on benefits, housing, work, money and consumer problems, with local offices you can find by postcode.
    England adviceline 0800 144 8848, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
  • MoneyHelper: free, impartial money and pensions guidance from the government-backed Money and Pensions Service.
    0800 011 3797, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Worried about debt? Our debt help page lists the free debt advice services, with phone numbers.

Benefits and low income

  • Turn2us: a charity with a free benefits calculator, a grants search and a PIP application helper.
  • Disability Rights UK: factsheets on benefits, housing and work, plus a benefits calculator and helplines.
  • Trussell (food banks): how to get an emergency food parcel and find a food bank near you. Most food banks use a voucher from a local organisation.

Our guides: benefits you might be missing, Universal Credit explained, Universal Credit work allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), cost of living help.

Housing and homelessness

  • Shelter (England): housing advice for people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home. Shelter Scotland and Shelter Cymru cover Scotland and Wales.
    Free helpline 0808 800 4444, Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. It is often busy
  • Crisis: support for people who are homeless or at risk, with Skylight centres in several UK cities.

Older people

  • Age UK: free advice on money, care and benefits for older people.
    Advice Line 0800 678 1602, 8am to 7pm every day
  • Independent Age: free, impartial advice for older people and their families on benefits, housing and care.
    0800 319 6789, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm

Our guides: Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Payment, State Pension.

Disability, carers and families

  • Scope: information and support for disabled people and their families.
  • Carers UK: advice and support for people who care for a family member or friend. See the website for its helpline details.
  • Gingerbread: advice and support for single parents.

Our guides: Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carer's Allowance, Child Benefit, Tax-Free Childcare.

Work

  • Acas: free, impartial advice on workplace rights, redundancy, pay and disputes. See the website for its helpline details.

Our guides: redundancy pay, redundancy notice periods, holiday entitlement.

Mental health and bereavement

  • Samaritans: free emotional support for anyone struggling to cope, any time.
    Call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day
  • Shout: a free, confidential crisis text line.
    Text SHOUT to 85258, 24 hours a day
  • Mind: mental health information and support, and a legal information line.
    Infoline 0300 123 3393, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm
  • Cruse Bereavement Support: support for anyone who has lost someone.
    Helpline 0808 808 1677

Where to learn more

We are not affiliated with any organisation listed and do not receive anything for listing them. Phone numbers and opening hours were checked on each organisation's own website in October 2026, but they can change, so check the website before you rely on them. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.

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