Cost of living help
The main kinds of UK support when money is tight, with links to the official sources.
The short answer
If money is tight, there is more help available than many people realise, and much of it is not claimed. This page is a plain guide to the main kinds of support in the UK, with links to the official sources. Start with the free benefits check, then look at the specific help below.
Start here
- Check what you could get: the GOV.UK benefits checker shows support you may be entitled to, based on your circumstances.
- Talk to someone: Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper give free, impartial advice. If you are behind with payments, see our free debt advice page.
Guides in this section
Tools to help you plan
- Budget helper: see where your money goes and what is left.
- The 50/30/20 budget rule
- How much should you have in an emergency fund?
- Take-home pay calculator
Where to learn more
This guide is for information only and is not benefits or financial advice. Rules and amounts can change, so check the official pages before you rely on them.