Benefits, savings and debt advice

We've calculated the Housing Benefit entitlements for working residents, based on the size of your home and your rent payments.

Please contact us if you'd like a more exact calculation.

If you're concerned about the impact of the benefit cap you can find out more on the government's website.

Money Helper also provides lots of information on what the benefit cap is, who's affected, who's exempt and more.

You can use a budget planner to keep track of your spending and income. It's a useful tool that can help you save more money, reduce spending and get out of debt.

Start budgeting

Making small changes could help you save money on energy bills. Here's some suggestions to start you off.

1. Pay by Direct Debit.

You'll normally get about a 5% discount. Energy companies have to use the Direct Debit Guarantee, which means they can’t take money out of your account without your permission. And if they want to change the amount you pay, they have to write to you first. 

2. Use a single energy company

Buying both gas and electricity from the same company is usually the cheapest way to pay. This is known as a 'dual tariff'.

3. Consider changing your tariff

If you have a copy of your bills you can check how much you can save by visiting one of the OFGEM recommended energy comparison sites.

You can also find more information on saving money on our household tips page.

If you want to find out how you can cut your costs and reduce unnecessary energy use, you can get free support from our Advice and Wellbeing team.

If you've got bills or borrowing that you can't afford, you can get free, independent debt advice from a regulated service.

A debt advisor can help you get some breathing space to manage your situation better and work out the best way forward.

These organisations offer free debt support:

• StepChange
• Citizens Advice
• Christians Against Poverty

Loan sharks take advantage of people who are struggling and feel they have nowhere else to turn. If you're offered money with high charges and not much paperwork you should be cautious about accepting their offer.

Stop Loan Sharks has a free helpline you can contact if you need advice about taking a loan, or want to report suspicious behaviour: 0300 555 2222.

The government's own finance advice website covers things like pensions, benefits advice and debt and borrowing.

Visit the money advice website