Help with the cost of living

The cost of everyday essentials has been rising for the last few years. From supermarket basics to monthly bills, your money is likely not stretching as far as it used to.

If you’re behind on your bills or going into debt to pay them, the best thing you can do is take action now. There are places to turn to if you have money troubles or if you need help with bills urgently. You might be able to claim extra benefits to help you increase your income, such as the Household Support Fund and Universal Credit.

Whether you’re worried about everyday money, the bills you have to pay, rising rents, higher energy costs or tackling debt, we’ve brought together our most useful tools, calculators and guides to help you keep on top of your money.

Explore our cost of living guides

Use our cost of living tools

Cost of living guides

Getting urgent financial help

Find organisations that can give you immediate help based on your situation.

Living on a squeezed income

Find ways to tackle the rising cost of living, as well as the extra support you can claim.

Bill prioritiser: get help with your bills

Understand which bills and payments to deal with first and how to avoid missing payments.

Get help to pay your rent

If you're worried about paying your rent because it's going up or your income has changed, learn about your rights as a tenant.

If you’re worried about rising mortgage rates

Weigh up your options, whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to remortgage.

Talk to your creditor

Don’t let your money worries pile up – your creditor can step in to help.

Stopping or reducing your pension contributions

Before you do anything, understand what it means for your long-term plans.

Using credit wisely

Putting everyday items on credit or struggling with repayments? Follow our action plan.

Support if you’re self-employed

Cost of living rises can be challenging when your income varies from month to month.

Redundancy and losing your job

Make sure you know your rights and understand how to protect your finances.

Parents in kitchen, mother holding young child

Work out where you are now, what to do next and find useful contacts in our easy-to-print guides.

Download Help with the cost of living guideOpens in a new window (PDF, 490KB)

Download Talking to your creditor guideOpens in a new window (PDF, 2MB)

Cost of living tools and calculators

Bill prioritiser

Learn which payments you should deal with first and how to avoid getting into arrears.

Debt advice locator

If you’ve missed payments, find where to get free, confidential help.

Budget planner

Understand your income and spending each month to see the changes you can make.

See all tools

Have you missed a payment?

If so, now is the time to get debt advice

It’s free and confidential
Gives you better ways of managing your debts and money
Ensures you’re claiming all the right benefits and entitlements

Find out more about debt advice