All support
Benefits, money and essentials
Benefit pathways, emergency essentials, debt advice and challenging decisions.
- I have no money for food or essentialsHelp that can arrive in days rather than weeks, and how to ask for it.
- Claiming Universal Credit for the first timeWhat the claim involves, what to gather, and how your health is taken into account.
Trusted places to go
Links checked 2 October 2026
Official government, NHS and charity services. Choose your nation to see only what applies to you.
- GovernmentEngland, Scotland, WalesUniversal Credit (GOV.UK)Official eligibility, how to claim and how payments work.Last reviewed 2 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- GovernmentNorthern IrelandUniversal Credit (nidirect)Official Universal Credit information for Northern Ireland.Last reviewed 2 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- GovernmentScotlandSocial Security ScotlandScottish benefits such as Adult Disability Payment and Scottish Child Payment.Last reviewed 2 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- GovernmentUK-wideBenefits calculators (GOV.UK)Free, independent calculators to see what you might be entitled to.Last reviewed 2 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- CharityUK-wideTurn2usBenefits calculator and a search for grants you may be able to apply for.Last reviewed 2 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- CharityUK-wideStepChangeFree, confidential debt advice online or by phone.Last reviewed 2 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- CharityEngland, Wales, ScotlandNational DebtlineFree debt advice, with letters and fact sheets you can use.Last reviewed 2 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- GovernmentUK-wideMoneyHelperGovernment-backed money guidance and a free debt advice locator.Last reviewed 2 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- CharityUK-wideTrussell food bank finderFind your nearest food bank and how referrals work.Last reviewed 2 October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
BesideYou isn't connected to these organisations and isn't paid to list them. Covers England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland.