Money matters

We understand that managing your money can sometimes feel overwhelming. We want to do everything we can to help.

We all find ourselves at times struggling with managing our money, especially after the uncertainty of the past year. We want to support you to get the help you need, so that you feel confident in handling your financial commitments.

We’re here to help with questions about Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, Discretionary Housing Payments and Hardship Payments, along with money and rent advice.

We also offer support if you’re struggling with the cost of living. We can connect you to local and national support agencies that support with:

  • Managing your rent account 
  • Budgeting advice to help make your money go further 
  • Benefit advice / benefit checks 
  • Assistance to complete benefit applications, for example, Personal Independence Payment 
  • Setting up a bank account 
  • Grant applications, for example, Social Fund 
  • Debt/advice/referral 
  • Affordable credit options 
  • Avoiding illegal money lending and loan sharks 

ForHousing can help you:

We know how difficult the last couple of years have been and we want to help if you’re in financial difficulty. If you’re struggling with the cost of living increase then we can offer short-term financial support. Please visit www.forhousing.co.uk/live-well/ and fill in the short form and a dedicated member of our team will contact you quickly to see how we can support you.

Get the most out of your money by developing your budgeting skills. Reach out to us if you’re interested in learning more.

Deal with creditors to minimise the impact of your debts. This can be through affordable repayment offers, debt relief order, or bankruptcy. We can talk you through what each of these mean.

Receive any welfare benefits you’re entitled to, save on utility bills, and shop around to get the best value for money.

Gain access to basic bank accounts and work in partnership with the local credit union.

What are credit unions? 

They offer an alternative to borrowing from, or saving with, national banks. They have a range of services including loans and savings accounts.

Many credit unions are willing to offer loans to members even when they have been previously turned down by banks. Click here to find your local credit union.

Loan sharks 

You may feel the need to borrow money for a short period of time, but it’s important that you borrow from a genuine lender and avoid loan sharks.

Loan sharks are breaking the law when they lend money without a Consumer Credit Licence.

They tend to lend money with no paperwork and high interest rates so you can never pay back the money and will always be in their debt. Remember you are not breaking the law by borrowing from loan sharks but they are breaking the law by lending money through this way.

These loans are not enforceable without a court order which is why loan sharks often threaten and use intimidation to get you to pay. If you spot a loan shark or you’ve borrowed money from one you can report them anonymously to the England Illegal Money Lending team: 

Telephone: 0300 555 2222 (24-hour service)
Text a report to 07860 022 11

Food banks

If you need help accessing food, food banks are community organisations that can help if you can’t afford the food you need.

You’ll usually need to get a referral to a food bank before you can use it, you can get a referral for yourself and any family members you live with – including your partner.

You might be able to use some food banks without a referral – for example, if it’s run by a church. Contact your local food bank to see if you need a referral.

You can ask Citizens Advice to refer you to a food bank.

 

Local Support

Did you know that there is support available from your local council to help with access to food, financial support and loneliness?

Click on your related area to see how they can support you over the upcoming winter months:

Additional support

If you’re looking for further guidance or advice, you can find other resources below: