Financial Advice and Support
Here to help
Financial support and advice is available if you’re struggling to make ends meet.
For help with translation please get in touch with Sussex Interpreting Services.
Step 1...
What's the problem?
I suddenly have no money
Lost job/reduced hours
Lost money/unexpected expense
Disaster (e.g flood or fire)
Relationship breakdown
Money stopped (e.g. failed a medical)
Sanctioned
I am waiting on a benefit payment/decision
Made a new claim for benefit
Benefit payment is delayed
Waiting for a benefit decision
See options 1, 4
I am waiting on a benefit payment/decision
Deciding between food/fuel/mobile credit
Low income or zero/low hours contract
Statutory Sick Pay too low to cover costs
Facing redundancy
Not sure if eligible for support
Change of circumstances (e.g. new baby/bereavement/illness/left partner)
See option 2
I have debt
Rent or Council Tax arrears
Gas or electricity
Credit or store cards
Personal loans and overdrafts
Owe friends and family
Benefit repayments
See option 3
Ensure no families go hungry and for no food to be wasted
Take an area specific approach that alleviates hunger and food insecurity
People on low incomes may be able to get housing benefit and council tax support from the council.
This will depend on your current circumstances.
Anyone who is struggling financially can get a benefit check and speak to an adviser for free and confidential advice.
A benefit check can ensure that you are receiving all the money you’re entitled to, especially if your circumstances have changed recently. Speaking to an advisor could also help you find cheaper deals on things like gas and electricity and make sure you’re not missing out on things like charitable grants or free meals.
Debt can happen to anyone. Free advice and support can help you find ways to manage your dents and reduce how much you pay each month.
If you have made a new claim for benefit and are in financial hardship while you wait for your first payment, you may be able to get an advance to afford things like rent or food. It’s important to get advice before taking out an advance. Benefit advances must be paid back, and the money will be taken from your future benefit payments (a loan).
If you have been sanctioned, you may be able to request a hardship payment from the Jobcentre. Hardship payments are not always paid immediately, and they’re not available to everyone. Hardship payments of Universal Credit need to be paid back (a loan), but hardship payments of Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance do not (not a loan).
You can challenge a benefit decision if your benefit has been stopped / sanctioned / reduced / refused or you have been overpaid. Most benefit decisions need to be challenged within one month.
