Working out what benefits you’re entitled to can be tricky. Find out where to get free expert advice online, face-to-face or over the phone.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice can give you free, confidential, impartial and independent benefits advice.
Advice offered
As well as benefits advice, they can help you resolve problems with debt, housing and many more issues.
They also have a ‘Help to Claim’ service to support you with your Universal Credit application. Learn more in our guide Universal Credit explained.
Services provided
- online
- home visits
- face-to-face
- advice helpline
- email (in some cases).
Suitable for
Everyone.
Contact Citizens Advice
Find your local branch to arrange an appointment, or view a list of phone numbers:
Use our Benefits calculator
If you’re living on a low income or have had an income shock, use our Benefits calculator to quickly find out what you could be entitled to.
Law Centres
Law Centres provide free legal advice and representation to disadvantaged people. They may be able to help you with expert advice if you have a complex benefit problem or you want to appeal against a decision made on your benefit entitlement.
Advice offered
As well as benefits and welfare rights advice, Law Centres offer legal advice on issues including employment and housing.
Services provided
- face-to-face
- telephone (in some areas).
Suitable for
Anyone who can't afford to pay for legal support.
Contact your local Law Centre
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, find your nearest one at Law Centres NetworkOpens in a new window
In Scotland, find your nearest Law CentreOpens in a new window on Shelter Scotland.
Macmillan benefits advisers for people affected by cancer
A Macmillan benefits adviser can help you work out what financial help you’re entitled to.
Advice offered
Macmillan offers specialist advice to help ease money worries.
This includes information on:
- loans
- grants
- benefits.
Services provided
- face-to-face
- home visits
- telephone.
Suitable for
Anyone affected by cancer.
Find a Macmillan benefits adviser
Find one near you at Macmillan Cancer SupportOpens in a new window
Age UK benefits advice for older people
Some local branches of Age UK offer a free, confidential benefits advice service.
Advice offered
Practical assistance to make sure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to.
Services provided
- face-to-face
- home visits
- telephone
- help with completing claim forms.
Suitable for
Anyone who’s over State Pension ageOpens in a new window and living in the area covered by their local branch.
Contact Age UK
Call the Age UK Helpline:
- in England, on 0800 055 6112Opens in a new window or visit the Age UK websiteOpens in a new window
- in Wales, on 0300 303 44 98Opens in a new window or visit the Age Cymru website Opens in a new window
- in Scotland, on 0800 12 44 222Opens in a new window or visit the Age Scotland websiteOpens in a new window
- in Northern Ireland, on 0808 808 7575Opens in a new window or visit the Age NI websiteOpens in a new window
Gingerbread advice for single parents
Gingerbread provides advice and practical support for single parents, including advice on benefits in England and Wales.
Find more information on GingerbreadOpens in a new window
Northern Ireland
Visit Parenting FocusOpens in a new window You can also call them free on 0808 8010 722 (Monday to Thursday: 9.30am to 3.30pm, and Friday: 9.30am to 12.30pm).
Specialist advice for money, housing and food
Help that's local to you
If your problem is complex, Advicelocal can help you find free and impartial advice in your area on:
- benefits
- Council Tax
- housing
- employment
- disability and social care
- asylum and immigration.
At advicelocal you can find a benefits specialist near youOpens in a new window
Debt advice
If you’re worried about keeping up with debt repayments, there’s lots of free, confidential help and advice available.
Have you missed a payment?
Use our Debt advice locator tool to find free and confidential debt advice online, over the phone or near to where you live.
Housing advice
Our guides on help if you’re struggling to pay rent and mortgage payments have information and guidance on what to do if you’re worried about living costs.
If you have rent or mortgage arrears, or you’re worried about losing your home, Shelter offer confidential advice on a range of housing issuesOpens in a new window
How to get access to a foodbank
If you’re facing an emergency and have no money to pay for food, you might be able to use a food bank.
You’ll usually need to get a referral to a foodbank before you can use it. Learn more in our guide Where can I get emergency help with money and food?
