Money and legal advice

Information on benefits

As we get older or if we have a disability or health condition, we may need extra money to help with everyday costs.

In the UK, there are several benefits that can help you live well and stay independent:

Housing Benefit: If you’ve reached State Pension age or live in supported or temporary housing, you may get help paying your rent.
Attendance Allowance: For people over 65 who need help because of a disability or illness.
Carer’s Allowance: If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week, you could get this payment.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP): If you’re aged 16 to 64 and have a long-term health condition or disability, PIP can help with extra costs.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): If you can’t work because of illness or disability, you may be able to claim ESA.

You can check what other help is available on the GOV.UK website.

If you're over State Pension age, you may also be able to get extra money to help with care costs. Visit Age UK for more information.

Help paying your bills

If you’re finding it hard to pay for gas, electricity, water, or broadband, you’re not alone. There are free services and support schemes to help you.

You can find more information and advice on our cost of living support page.

Money and debt advice

Avoid loan sharks

Never borrow from illegal money lenders. They may seem helpful at first, but they often charge very high rates and use threats. If you're offered money without proper checks or paperwork, say no and get free help from a debt advice charity.

If you’re worried about money or already in debt, support is available. You don’t have to deal with it alone.

Apply for ‘breathing space’: This gives you time to get advice without being chased by people you owe money to.
Get free local advice and support: Many local charities and groups offer free help and advice. Our Money and Debt directory can help you find support near you.
Join your local credit union: These are safe, local ways to save and borrow money at low interest rates.

Stay safe from scams

Scams are tricks used to steal your money or personal information. They can happen in person, on the phone, or online.

Scams are becoming more common across the UK. Being aware and careful can help protect you and your family.

Common types of scams

Doorstep scams

Scammers may come to your home pretending to be from a company or doing work on your house.

Stay safe by:

not letting people in unless you know who they are asking for ID and checking with their company
using a door chain and keeping the door locked while you check saying no
if you’re unsure—real companies won’t mind.

Phone scams

Scammers may pretend to be from your bank or another trusted company.

Remember:

hang up if it feels wrong
never give out your PIN, passwords, or bank details
call the company back using a number you trust.

Email and text scams

You might get messages that look real but are fake. This can sometimes be known as phishing.

To protect yourself:

don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown sources
check who sent the message—if it looks odd, delete it
ask someone you trust if you’re not sure.

Online scams

These include fake websites, fake shops, or scammers on social media.

Stay safe by:

using trusted websites and checking reviews
keeping your phone, tablet, or computer up to date with virus protection
being careful who you talk to online.