If you don’t have enough to live on, you might be able to get help from your local council or an interest-free loan from the government. If you're waiting for benefit payments to start, you might be able to get your benefit paid earlier.

You might be able to access support if your child’s health or development is significantly affected by your circumstances. For example, if you and your children are homeless or about to be homeless, or you do not have enough money to provide your family with essential things (like food, travel, clothes), you may be able to access this support. This guide explains what Section 17 support is and how to access it.

Information on budgeting loans and what they can pay for.

If you've been struck by disaster or have run out of money and can't afford essentials like food or heating, there are emergency funds to help you. Information about emergency funds from your local council, money from the Government if you’re on benefits and food banks.

Explains what is a hardship payment, how to claim one and how to challenge a decision about a hardship payment.

Explains what they are, who is eligible, what you get and how to claim.

Explains what rent in advance is and when you should pay it, ways to help you afford paying rent in advance, and how you can apply for help. (Content applies to England only).

Information about who can apply for an emergency grant from this fund and how to apply.