Get help from our Money and Benefits Advice service
Our advisers can support you with:
- checking and applying for benefits you may be able to claim
- updating a benefit claim if your circumstances change
- rent or council tax arrears, or other bills
- budgeting support
- debt management options
- identifying other support, such as government grants or the NHS Low Income Scheme.
To speak to an adviser or book an appointment with the Money and Benefits Advice service:
- call 0800 5870211
- or email mba@jrht.org.uk
Check what benefits you’re entitled to
Every year, many people miss out on benefits they could be claiming.
You can use a benefits calculator and other useful tools to find out what you might be entitled to. They’re simple to use and only take a few minutes:
- use this free benefits calculator
- find out more about Universal Credit
- use the government’s Pension Credit calculator
- get more help and advice on the Entitledto website.
Debt advice and support
If you’re struggling to pay your rent or bills, it’s important to get help early. We can help you:
- understand your benefits
- manage your budget and deal with debt
- get support with Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.
You can get free, confidential advice from our Money and Benefits service as above. Or you can also get free, independent advice from:
Budgeting advice
Our Money and Benefits Advice service can help you with planning your budget. A good first step before you call is to write down what you spend each month. Think about things like:
- bills (rent, gas and electricity, council tax, phone, WiFi)
- food and toiletries
- travel
- hobbies and socialising
- smoking or vaping
- anything else you regularly pay for.
Citizens Advice has a budgeting tool you can use to see what you’re earning and spending, and where you might be able to cut costs.
Check your council tax
If you’re the only adult in your home, you should get a 25% discount on your council tax.
You can also compare your Council Tax band with similar homes in your area to make sure you’re paying the right amount. If you think you’re paying too much, contact your local council to ask about re banding. There are also benefits that can help with council tax payments, depending on your circumstances. Use this benefits calculator to make sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to.
Help with your energy bills
If you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, there are schemes and grants that may help.
Information about energy support changes frequently. MoneySavingExpert is a useful place to keep up to date. You may be entitled to help with the cost of energy such as:
- Household Support Fund: Local councils can provide discretionary payments to help with energy costs. Check with your local council to see what’s available.
- Warm Home Discount Scheme: A one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill, applied by your supplier if you’re eligible.
- Winter Fuel Payment: You may be entitled to extra money towards energy bills if you’re over State Pension age and receiving certain benefits.
- Energy supplier support funds: Some energy suppliers offer grants, including:
If you’re not eligible through your supplier, the British Gas Energy Trust may still be able to help.
Fraud and cyber crime advice
Fraud is when someone uses lies or trickery to steal money or personal information. Cyber crime is fraud carried out online or using phones and computers.
Anyone can be targeted, so it’s important to stay alert and protect your information. You can find more information and report fraud through Action Fraud.
How to report fraud
- Action Fraud (police): call 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk
- Your bank: call 159 to be connected to your bank’s fraud team
- Suspicious emails: forward them to report@phishing.gov.uk
- Suspicious texts or calls: forward phone numbers or texts to 7726