Before you start
Check eligibility with the program. Rules, income limits, dates and funding change and differ by area. This site is a directory of official and major nonprofit help. It is not legal or financial advice, and we are not connected to any program. Official programs don’t charge a fee to apply.
What changed in 2026
From 1 April 2026, councils in England give crisis help through the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which replaced the Household Support Fund and includes what used to be Discretionary Housing Payments. Wales and Scotland still have Discretionary Housing Payments.
Official programs and free help
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice (charity)
Free, independent advice on bills, benefits, debt and housing, online, by phone or in person.
How to get it: Use the website or find your local Citizens Advice.
Crisis and Resilience Fund (England)
Your local council, funded by government
From 1 April 2026, local councils in England give crisis help with essential and housing costs through this fund. It replaced the Household Support Fund and includes what used to be Discretionary Housing Payments.
How to get it: Contact your local council and ask about crisis support.
Discretionary Housing Payments (Wales and Scotland)
Your local council
Extra help with rent if you get Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and still can’t cover your housing costs.
How to get it: Apply to your local council.
Warm Home Discount
GOV.UK
A one-off discount on your electricity bill (£150) if you get certain benefits, such as Pension Credit or Universal Credit. Most people get it automatically.
How to get it: Check eligibility on GOV.UK.
Help if you can’t afford your energy bills
Ofgem (energy regulator)
What your energy supplier should do if you’re struggling, such as agreeing an affordable payment plan, and where to get more help.
How to get it: Contact your supplier first and ask for help.
Priority Services Register
Ofgem
Free extra support from your energy supplier and network if you are of pension age, disabled, have a long-term health condition or young children, among other reasons.
How to get it: Ask your energy supplier to add you.
Help with water bills
Consumer Council for Water
Information on water company social tariffs, payment plans and other help if you’re struggling to pay.
How to get it: Contact your water company, or CCW for advice.
Broadband and phone social tariffs
Ofcom (communications regulator)
Cheaper broadband and phone deals for people on Universal Credit and some other benefits.
How to get it: Check the list and contact the provider.
StepChange
StepChange Debt Charity
Free debt advice and solutions.
How to get it: Use the online debt advice tool or call.
National Debtline
Money Advice Trust (charity)
Free, independent debt advice, including on rent and council tax arrears.
How to get it: Online or by phone.
Shelter (England)
Shelter (charity)
Free housing advice, including what to do about rent arrears and finding a deposit.
How to get it: Use the online advice or the helpline.
Benefits calculators
GOV.UK
Free, independent calculators to check which benefits you could get.
How to get it: Use a calculator listed on GOV.UK.
Get ready to apply
Programs usually ask you to prove who you are, where you live and what your household earns. Before you call, it helps to have:
- ID for the person applying
- Recent proof of income for everyone in the home (pay stubs, benefit letters)
- Your latest bill, and any past-due or shut-off notice
- Your lease or rental agreement (for rent help)
- Your account numbers
Call your utility or landlord early. Many will agree a payment plan if you ask before you fall far behind.
Make a plan for next month
Once the urgent bill is covered, a simple budget can help stop it happening again. Our free Budget Planner helps you plan your money each month, the debt payoff calculator shows how to clear what you owe, and the rent affordability calculator checks what rent fits your income.
Find help that fits you
Pick your country and what you need help with to see official programs.
Open the bill help finderFrequently asked questions
What is the Crisis and Resilience Fund?
Government funding for councils in England to help people facing financial crisis with essential and housing costs, from 1 April 2026. Contact your council.
Who gets the Warm Home Discount?
People who get certain benefits, such as Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) or Universal Credit and meet the scheme rules. Most get it automatically. Check GOV.UK.
Where can I get free debt advice?
Citizens Advice, StepChange and National Debtline all give free, independent advice.
Last reviewed: October 2026. General information only — check providers' official sites for current features and pricing.