I Need Money: Where to Get Help and What to Do Next

When money is tight, it can be difficult to know where to start. You might be struggling to cover everyday expenses, waiting for your next payday, falling behind on bills or dealing with an unexpected cost.

Whatever your situation, there may be help available.

Depending on your circumstances, this could include financial assistance from your local council, benefits you haven't claimed, charitable grants, help with essential bills or opportunities to generate additional income.

The most important thing is to understand what options are available and focus on the ones that are relevant to your situation.

Monzenta brings different financial support information and earning opportunities together to help you explore your options and work out what to do next.

Not sure where to start? Begin by identifying what you need help with and how urgently you need it.

This guide focuses on England, Scotland and Wales. Financial support arrangements differ in Northern Ireland.

I need money. What should I do first?

The best next step depends on why you need money and how quickly you need it.

Here are some starting points:

You don't necessarily need to borrow money or take on additional work to improve your situation. You may already be entitled to support that you haven't claimed.

1. Check whether you can get financial support

One of the first things worth doing is checking whether you're eligible for benefits or other financial assistance.

Depending on your circumstances, you might be entitled to help even if you're currently working.

Support could include:

• Universal Credit.
• Council Tax Reduction.
• Housing-related support.
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in England and Wales, or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland.
• Pension Credit.
• Other income-related benefits.
• Help with childcare costs.
• Certain local financial assistance schemes.

Eligibility depends on the benefit or support scheme. Some benefits are means-tested, meaning your income, savings and household circumstances can affect how much you receive.

Others, such as PIP in England and Wales and Adult Disability Payment in Scotland, are not means-tested. These disability benefits are assessed using their own eligibility criteria, including how a condition affects everyday activities and mobility.

You don't have to be unemployed to qualify for all forms of support.

How to check what you could receive

There are free tools that can help you understand what support may be available.

GOV.UK benefits and financial support checker

Use the government's official tool to explore benefits and other financial support.

Check benefits and financial support you could get

MoneyHelper benefits calculator

MoneyHelper provides a free calculator to help estimate what benefits and other support you might be entitled to.

Use the MoneyHelper benefits calculator

Turn2us benefits calculator

Turn2us provides another way to check potential benefit entitlement based on your circumstances.

Use Turn2us

These calculators provide estimates rather than official entitlement decisions. The rules can be complicated, so you may benefit from speaking to a benefits adviser before making important decisions.

Explore our dedicated Universal Credit guide for more information about eligibility, applications, payments and how earnings can affect a claim.

2. Find out whether your local council can help

If you're struggling to afford essential expenses, your local council may be able to provide financial assistance.

Depending on where you live, this could help with:

• Food.
• Energy and water bills.
• Essential household items.
• Clothing.
• Essential travel.
• Housing-related costs.

The available support depends on your circumstances and the scheme operating in your area.

Help in England

From 1 April 2026, the Crisis and Resilience Fund has provided funding to local authorities in England to support people experiencing financial hardship.

Support can include help with essential costs through locally administered crisis payments.

You do not need to be receiving benefits to apply for support through the fund. A payment from the Crisis and Resilience Fund will not affect your existing benefit payments.

However, councils decide how their schemes operate, so eligibility, application processes and available support vary between areas.

Contact your local council to find out what assistance is available.

Find your local council and check available support

Help in Scotland

The Scottish Welfare Fund provides support through local councils.

Its Crisis Grants may help people on low incomes who are experiencing an emergency or disaster and cannot afford essential costs.

You do not necessarily need to be receiving benefits to qualify, but you must meet the relevant eligibility requirements.

Crisis Grants are discretionary grants, not loans, and do not have to be repaid if awarded.

Find out about Scottish Welfare Fund Crisis Grants

Help in Wales

The Welsh Government operates the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF).

It provides two types of grants:

• Emergency Assistance Payments for people experiencing extreme financial hardship and unable to afford essential costs.
• Individual Assistance Payments to help eligible people establish or maintain independent living.

These grants do not have to be repaid.

Emergency Assistance Payments are intended for immediate crisis situations, rather than ongoing bills you cannot afford.

Find out about the Discretionary Assistance Fund

Important: Local assistance schemes have different eligibility requirements and application processes. An application does not guarantee that you'll receive financial help.

3. Look for grants you might be eligible for

You may be able to access financial support through charities, trusts and other grant-giving organisations.

Some grants are intended for people experiencing financial hardship, while others are based on specific circumstances.

For example, assistance may be available for people who:

• Have recently lost their job.
• Are experiencing financial difficulties.
• Have a disability or long-term health condition.
• Work or previously worked in a particular industry.
• Have caring responsibilities.
• Have children or other dependants.
• Need help with an essential household expense.

Unlike loans, genuine grants normally do not have to be repaid, although you should always check the conditions of the particular award.

Where to find grants

Turn2us Grants Search

Turn2us provides a free search tool that can help identify charitable grants based on your personal circumstances.

Search for grants with Turn2us

Local charities and community organisations

Your local Citizens Advice service, council or community support organisation may also be able to identify relevant grant schemes.

Some organisations accept applications directly, while others require a referral.

Grant availability, eligibility and processing times vary. Some applications can take several weeks or longer, so grants may not be suitable when you need money immediately.

4. Get help if you cannot afford food or essentials

If you have little or no money available for food, heating or other essentials, there may be support you can access.

You shouldn't have to wait until your situation becomes worse before asking for help.

Options include:

Food banks

Food banks provide food and other essential items to people experiencing financial hardship.

Many food banks work through a referral system. You may be able to get a referral from:

• Citizens Advice.
• Your local council.
• A GP or health visitor.
• A social worker.
• A school or family support worker.
• Another recognised support organisation.

Some food banks also accept direct enquiries, so check the arrangements in your area.

MoneyHelper: Where to get emergency help with money and food

Help with energy and utilities

If you're struggling to afford gas, electricity or water, contact your provider and explain your situation.

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to arrange affordable payments or access additional support.

You could also check whether you're eligible for a social tariff or other assistance with household bills.

Don't ignore payment warnings or wait until your account becomes seriously overdue.

Essential household items

If you need something essential such as a fridge, cooker, washing machine or bed, check whether your local council or a charitable organisation provides assistance.

Some schemes provide grants, while others supply essential items directly.

5. What if you're behind on bills or struggling with debt?

If you're missing payments or finding it difficult to keep up with household expenses, getting advice early can make a difference.

Start by identifying which payments are causing the biggest problems.

These might include:

• Rent or mortgage payments.
• Council tax.
• Gas and electricity.
• Water bills.
• Credit cards and loans.
• Overdrafts.
• Other household commitments.

Not all debts have the same consequences. Some are known as priority debts because failing to pay them can put your home, essential services or finances at serious risk.

These can include rent or mortgage arrears, Council Tax or Rates arrears, gas and electricity arrears and certain court fines.

If you cannot afford all your payments, it's important to understand which commitments need attention first. Don't simply prioritise the debts with the largest balances.

Use a recognised bill prioritiser or speak to a free debt adviser for guidance.

MoneyHelper: Bill Prioritiser

Contact the organisations you owe

If you're struggling to make a payment, contact the relevant company or organisation as soon as possible.

Explain your circumstances and ask whether they can offer:

• A payment arrangement.
• Additional time to pay.
• A temporary reduction in payments.
• A review of your account.
• Access to a hardship scheme.

You don't have to wait until you've missed several payments before asking for help.

Get free debt advice

There are organisations that provide free, confidential debt advice.

StepChange

Offers free debt advice and support with understanding your options.

Visit StepChange

National Debtline

Provides free, independent debt advice and practical guidance.

Visit National Debtline

MoneyHelper

Provides guidance on managing bills, prioritising payments and finding free debt advice.

Use the MoneyHelper bill prioritiser

For more detailed help, visit our Behind on Bills guide.

6. Explore ways to increase your income

Sometimes the most practical way to improve your financial situation is to find an additional source of income.

Depending on your circumstances, this could involve flexible work, selling unwanted possessions, completing online tasks or offering a service.

Options include:

Flexible and temporary work

You could explore:

• Delivery and courier work.
• Temporary shifts.
• Part-time employment.
• Cleaning and domestic services.
• Pet sitting and dog walking.
• Local jobs and odd jobs.

Some opportunities offer flexibility around existing commitments.

Explore: Flexible Jobs.

Online work and freelancing

If you have skills that can be offered remotely, you could explore freelance work or online employment.

Examples include writing, design, administration, video editing, tutoring and digital services.

Explore: Make Money Online.

Sell unwanted possessions

Selling items you no longer need could help generate some additional money without having to start a business or commit to regular work.

Items such as clothing, electronics, furniture and household goods may have resale value.

Make money through side hustles

A side hustle is an activity you do alongside your main work or other commitments to generate additional income.

Some involve providing services, while others involve selling products or completing online tasks.

Explore: Make Extra Money and Side Hustles.

Remember: Earning opportunities are not guaranteed to provide immediate money. Consider upfront costs, payment dates and risks before committing. Never use money needed for essential expenses to fund an earning opportunity.

7. Be careful about borrowing money when you're struggling

When you need money urgently, borrowing can seem like the easiest solution.

However, taking on additional debt could make an already difficult financial situation worse.

Before considering borrowing, think about:

• How much you'll need to repay.
• The total interest and fees.
• Whether repayments are affordable.
• What happens if you're unable to pay.
• Whether there are support options that don't involve borrowing.

Be particularly careful with high-cost short-term loans and offers that promise instant approval without clearly explaining the repayment terms.

Payday loans and other expensive forms of credit can lead to a cycle of repayments that becomes difficult to manage.

A loan is not the same as financial assistance or a grant. Always understand the full cost before agreeing to borrow.

If you're already struggling with debt, speak to a free debt adviser before taking on further borrowing.

8. Watch out for financial assistance scams

People looking for money or financial help can be targeted by scammers.

Be cautious of anyone who:

• Promises guaranteed grants or benefits in exchange for an upfront fee.
• Claims they can guarantee your benefit application will be approved.
• Asks for your bank details or passwords through an unexpected message.
• Offers loans without clearly explaining the costs.
• Asks you to transfer money on someone else's behalf.
• Pressures you into providing personal information immediately.

Be particularly careful with messages pretending to come from government departments or legitimate financial support schemes.

Use official websites and contact organisations through their published contact details.

Never allow somebody to use your bank account to receive or transfer money for them. This could involve money muling and potentially expose you to serious financial and criminal consequences.

9. Work out which support is right for you

If you're unsure where to start, think about the main reason you need money.

If you need immediate financial assistance:

Explore council crisis support, food assistance and emergency grants.

See: Emergency Money.

If you're struggling with rent, household bills or repayments:

Contact the organisations you owe and consider speaking to a free debt adviser.

See: Behind on Bills.

If you've lost your job or your income has fallen:

Check your benefit entitlement, local assistance schemes and available employment support.

See: Universal Credit and Flexible Jobs.

If you need money before your next payday:

Consider whether a payment arrangement, available support or a realistic short-term earning opportunity could help.

See: Money Before Payday.

If you want to find ways to earn additional money:

Explore flexible work, selling possessions, online opportunities and side hustles.

See: Make Money Fast and Make Extra Money.

Find the right next step with Monzenta

When you need money, it can be tempting to try everything at once.

But the best next step depends on your circumstances. You may need urgent financial support, help with existing bills, a benefits check or a way to generate additional income.

Monzenta brings different opportunities and useful information together so you can explore your options and understand what's involved.

You don't need to commit to every opportunity or take unnecessary financial risks. Start with what you actually need and focus on the options that make sense for your situation.

Explore Money Help

• Need immediate financial support? Explore Emergency Money.
• Struggling with payments? Read Behind on Bills.
• Want to understand benefit entitlement? Visit Universal Credit.
• Looking to increase your income? Explore the Monzenta Planner.

Your circumstances matter. Start with the support that's right for you.

Frequently asked questions

What can I do if I need money urgently?

Start by identifying what you need the money for and how soon you need it. If you cannot afford essentials, contact your local council and look into emergency assistance or food support. If you're struggling with bills, contact the organisations you owe and ask about payment arrangements.

Can I get financial help if I'm working?

Yes. Some benefits and local support schemes may be available to people who are working, depending on their income, savings and household circumstances. Use a benefits calculator to check what you might qualify for.

Can I get help if I'm not receiving benefits?

Yes. Some council assistance schemes, including the English Crisis and Resilience Fund, are not restricted to people receiving benefits. Other grants and charitable support may also be available. Eligibility depends on the scheme and your circumstances.

Where can I get emergency financial assistance?

Depending on where you live, you may be able to apply for support through your local council. This could include the Crisis and Resilience Fund in England, the Scottish Welfare Fund in Scotland or the Discretionary Assistance Fund in Wales.

Are there grants that don't need to be repaid?

Yes. Charitable grants and certain government assistance schemes do not need to be repaid. However, some types of financial support are loans or advances, so always check the conditions before accepting help.

Can I get help with food if I have no money?

Yes. Food banks and other community organisations provide support to people experiencing food insecurity. Many food banks use referral systems, so contact Citizens Advice, your local council or another recognised support organisation to find out how to access help.

What if I cannot afford my rent or household bills?

Contact your landlord, mortgage provider or bill provider as soon as possible. You may be able to agree on a payment arrangement or access additional support. You should also consider getting free debt or housing advice.

Can I claim Universal Credit if I'm working?

Yes. Universal Credit can be available to some people who are working, including those in part-time employment or self-employment. The amount depends on your circumstances and earnings.

Can I get help before my next payday?

You could explore local financial assistance, benefits, charitable grants and payment arrangements with organisations you owe. There may also be short-term earning opportunities, although these cannot guarantee immediate payment.

Where can I check what financial support I'm entitled to?

You can use the GOV.UK benefits and financial support checker, the MoneyHelper benefits calculator or the Turn2us benefits calculator. These tools provide estimates and guidance, rather than guaranteed entitlement decisions.

Does Monzenta provide emergency money, loans or grants?

No. Monzenta is an information and opportunity-planning platform. It helps you explore different ways to improve your financial circumstances, but it does not directly provide emergency cash, loans, grants or government benefits.