Extra support and free helplines
If money is tight while you wait for Universal Credit, or deductions are leaving you short, you are not alone and you do not have to sort it out by yourself. These free, independent organisations can help with debt, housing and your wellbeing. All the numbers below are free to call. This is an independent list — we are not connected to any of them and receive nothing for listing them.
Free helplines
| Organisation | What they help with | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Citizens Advice — debt helpline | Money and debt problems, priority bills, dealing with creditors | 0800 240 4420 Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 240 4420 Mon–Fri 9am–8pm, Sat 9.30am–1pm |
| Citizens Advice — Help to Claim | Help making a Universal Credit claim | England 0800 144 8 444 Scotland 0800 023 2581 Wales 08000 241 220 Mon–Fri 8am–6pm |
| StepChange Debt Charity | Free debt advice and debt solutions | 0800 138 1111 Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 9am–2pm |
| Shelter (England) | Housing problems, eviction, homelessness | 0808 800 4444 Emergency helpline Mon–Fri 8am–5pm Shelter Scotland and Shelter Cymru cover Scotland and Wales |
| Samaritans | Someone to talk to, any time, about anything | 116 123 Free, 24 hours a day |
| Turn2us | Free benefits calculator and charitable grants search | turn2us.org.uk |
Lines can be busy. Several of these services also offer web chat, which can be quicker — check their websites.
If you are struggling right now
- No money for food or essentials before your first payment? Ask Universal Credit for an advance through your journal or on 0800 328 5644. See our payments guide.
- Payment stopped or reduced? You may be able to ask for a hardship payment.
- One-off cost, like a broken cooker? You might qualify for a Budgeting Advance.
- Behind on rent? Ask about having your housing costs paid directly to your landlord, and speak to Shelter.
- Feeling overwhelmed? Samaritans are there day and night on 116 123. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Cost-of-living help
Depending on where you live and your circumstances, there may be extra help with energy bills, housing costs, council tax, school costs and prescriptions. Good places to start:
- GOV.UK cost of living: managing money — official round-up of help with bills and budgeting.
- Benefits calculators — check you are getting everything you are entitled to.
- Your local council — many run local welfare or household support schemes and council tax reductions.
- Your energy supplier — ask about payment plans and any hardship funds if you are behind.
Watch out for loan sharks and scams
When money is short, offers of quick cash can be tempting. Avoid unlicensed lenders and anyone who asks for your Universal Credit login, bank card or ID documents as "security". Free debt advice from the organisations above will never charge you a fee.
Tips for talking to a debt adviser
- Have a rough list of what you owe, to whom, and your monthly income and essential bills.
- Have your latest Universal Credit statement to hand.
- Be honest — advisers have heard it all, and the full picture gets you the best advice.
- Deal with "priority" debts first: rent or mortgage, council tax, energy and court fines can have the most serious consequences.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get free debt advice?
Citizens Advice debt helpline 0800 240 4420 or StepChange 0800 138 1111. Both are free.
Who can help if I am about to lose my home?
Shelter's free helpline is 0808 800 4444 (England). Shelter Scotland and Shelter Cymru cover Scotland and Wales.
Is there help if I cannot afford to wait for my first Universal Credit payment?
You can ask for an advance on your first payment through your journal, your work coach or the helpline. It is repaid from future payments.
Last checked against official sources: 23 October 2026. Numbers and opening hours can change — if in doubt, check GOV.UK.