Money and Debt
Money worries can really impact on our mental wellbeing. Connect to Support Hampshire has links to organisations that can help with a wide range of money-related issues including debt, emergency food and keeping our home warm. You can also find listings for local and national organisations who can offer finance, tax and debt advice and financial help for carers.
Mental Health and Money Advice offers clear, practical advice and support for people experiencing issues with mental health and money. They can help you understand, manage and improve your mental health and money issues.
MoneyHelper offers free and impartial help with money and pensions, backed by the government. Freephone 0800 138 7777, Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm. Explore the Money Navigator Tool to help you know which money issues to tackle first, how to stay on top of bills, and know what extra help and support you’re entitled to. There is also a Money Problems and Mental Wellbeing guide.Need financial support?
Understanding Universal Credit - Universal Credit supports you if you are on a low income or out of work. It includes a monthly payment to help with your living costs. This site will help you understand what Universal Credit means for you. If you want to go straight to making a claim for Universal Credit visit gov.uk/universal-credit.
Benefits - see the range of benefits and financial support available and how to get help with claiming.
Discretionary housing payments is a way of helping you if the housing benefit or Universal Credit (housing costs element) you get is not enough to pay your rent. Payments are not the same as housing benefit or Universal Credit.
If you are not sure what you may be entitled to Turn 2 Us has a free online benefit calculator to help you.
Extra help to apply for
- Healthy Start Vouchers – if you receive certain benefits and are pregnant or have a child under the age of four.
- Free Early Years Education funding – eligible families of two year-olds, and all three and four year-olds are entitled to some free early years education
- Free School Meals – if you meet the income criteria and have a school-aged child.
- Council Tax Support – if you are on a low income and pay council tax your local council may be able to help.
- Winter Fuel Payments – most people aged 65 and over are eligible.
- Bereavement Support Payment – if you are on a low income and your husband, wife or civil partner has died in the last 21 months. Information about end of life care and bereavement from Connect to Support Hampshire.
- Funeral Expenses Payment – if you are on a low income and are responsible for arranging someone’s funeral.
- NHS Low Income Scheme – if you are on a low income you may be able to get help with NHS costs such as prescriptions, dental, eyecare, and healthcare travel costs.
