UK Bill Help

Millions of families receive one monthly payment from Universal Credit. Since they only receive money once per month to pay for all of their bills, many need help with budging their one payment. There are several organisations that provide free advice on how to pay bills or rent, increase income, and otherwise budget.

The fact is the Universal Credit is a scheme for families that live on a low income. Or the client may be in poverty. Some of the people that receive it are also out of work. These three groups of individuals often require help in understanding how to budget so they can get back on track with their finances. In addition so there is only one payment per month (which is different than other benefits) it can be more difficult to manage that money so that it lasts the entire month.

The good news is that free budgeting assistance is available from many different sources. Many of the organisations have specific programmes that focus on families that live on a low income and that receive funds from Universal Credit. As they often have different needs then say someone who has a high income but is in arrears on their debt. The list of organisations to try for assistance are below.

Who provides budgeting advice to Universal Credit claimants?

Salvation Army Budgeting and Debt Advice is a free service available at several centres in the UK. It is not at every Salvation Army church; only select ones. An advantage of using this charity is that not only may budgeting advice be given, but a family living on Universal Credit payments can also get a parcel of food, clothing, maybe financial aid for electric bills, and other support. There are also dozens of centres in the UK, and find a Salvation Army location.

The most common place to turn to for assistance with budgeting is Citizen’s Advice. Ring the national charity organization at 03444 111 444. They have assisted hundreds of thousands of residents that live on Universal Credit with everything from creating and following a monthly budget to housing needs, information on budgeting loans, and much more.

Money Trust runs the runs the National Debtline as well as they give free, confidential advice to individuals of all income. Clients include people who are out of work, families in poverty that live on Universal Credit, and others. There is both a phone service as well as online advice. The scheme is also self-assisted. Ring 0808 808 4000.

Sometimes people on Universal Credit take out predatory loans. Or they borrow money at high interest rates due to lack of credit. Before doing this, charities such as the Money Advice service should be contacted. This organization advises people that live on a low income or that struggle to pay their bills, like many families on Universal Credit. They even help families find alternatives to payday loans, as there are many schemes and places to borrow money from that should be used first.

Universal Credit beneficiaries, or anyone that is on any government assistance, should only turn to a payday lender as a last resort. They should limit any debt used for paying living expenses. Money Advice Service specializes on providing alternatives. It is a government run programme, and the numbers to ring are 0800 138 7777 in English or 0800 138 0555 in Welsh. They offer free information on mortgages, retirement, work benefits, budgeting, and other financial matters.

Work coaches at Job Centre Plus centres mostly deal with employment matters, such as work clubs, CVs, and the like. But they also can provide other advice to people on Universal Credit benefits. As the aim is to help the client increase their income, provide details on financial management, and help them break the cycle of poverty through better budgeting and employment. Ask a work coach for more information on their programmes.