Check what benefits you can claim
GOV.UK points people to free, independent calculators. They are anonymous and take about 10–20 minutes. Have your rent, savings and income figures ready.
GOV.UK benefits calculators ↗
The official list of free calculators the government recommends, including Universal Credit.
Calculatorentitledto ↗
Independent calculator for Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Council Tax Reduction and more.
CalculatorTurn2us benefits calculator ↗
Charity-run calculator that also shows grants you might qualify for.
CalculatorPolicy in Practice ↗
Free calculator that works out Universal Credit and legacy benefits side by side.
OfficialApply for Universal Credit ↗
The official application page, with who can claim and how payments work.
Grants and funds you do not pay back
Grants are not loans. Rules and how much is available change, so always check the official page before applying.
Turn2us grants search ↗
Search hundreds of charitable grants by your situation, job history and area.
CouncilHousehold Support Fund / your council ↗
Local emergency help with food, energy and essentials. Find your council's scheme by postcode.
CouncilCouncil Tax Reduction ↗
Help paying council tax if you are on a low income or claim benefits.
EnergyWarm Home Discount ↗
A yearly discount on your electricity bill for eligible households.
EnergyBritish Gas Energy Trust ↗
Grants to clear energy debt. You do not need to be a British Gas customer.
WaterHelp paying your water bill ↗
Social tariffs and schemes from water companies for lower-income households.
Food and family help
Help for families with children, pregnancy and food emergencies.
Healthy Start ↗
Prepaid card for milk, fruit, veg and vitamins if you are pregnant or have a child under 4 (England, Wales, NI).
FoodFree school meals ↗
Check if your child can get free school meals through your council.
FoodFind a food bank ↗
Trussell food banks across the UK, usually with a referral.
OfficialHelp with childcare costs ↗
Tax-Free Childcare, free hours and Universal Credit childcare help compared.
Help if you have moved to the UK
Your visa can change what you can claim. Some visas say 'no recourse to public funds', which rules out most benefits, but not free advice, the NHS, food banks or every council scheme. Check before you apply, and only take immigration advice from a registered adviser.
What can I claim on my visa? ↗
Our plain-English guide to 'no recourse to public funds', what is still open to you, and who can advise you free.
Our guideUK money systems explained ↗
Council tax, credit scores, bank accounts, renting deposits and TV licences, explained for newcomers.
Our guideRights at work, renting and scams ↗
Minimum wage and payslip rights whatever your nationality, protection from housing discrimination, and the scams aimed at newcomers.
OfficialBenefits and your immigration status ↗
The official GOV.UK guide to what 'no recourse to public funds' means and what you can still get.
AdviceCitizens Advice: immigration ↗
Free advice on visas, benefit rights, work and housing, and help finding a registered adviser.
OfficialFind a registered immigration adviser ↗
Check an adviser is regulated before you pay anyone. Unregulated advice is illegal and often costly.
CharityMigrant Help ↗
Free advice line for asylum seekers, with interpreters in many languages.
CharityRefugee Council ↗
Support and advice for refugees and people seeking asylum.
CharityJoint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants ↗
Free guides and legal help on immigration and rights at work.
WorkYour rights at work ↗
Minimum wage, holiday pay and payslips apply to every worker, whatever your nationality.
Free debt and money advice
If bills are piling up, free advice services can talk to lenders for you. Avoid anyone who charges to 'fix' debt.
Citizens Advice ↗
Free advice on benefits, debt, housing and energy, online or in person.
DebtStepChange ↗
Free debt charity that can set up a manageable repayment plan.
DebtNational Debtline ↗
Free, confidential debt advice by phone and webchat.
OfficialMoneyHelper ↗
Free government-backed guidance, including the Breathing Space scheme.
If you are in crisis or worried about your safety, call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — the calculators above ask where you live.