Help through Hardship helpline

If you’re worried about money and feel overwhelmed, the Help through Hardship helpline is here to help. Its friendly advisers will ask some questions to understand your situation and offer you personalised advice.   

They might be able to give you information on how to claim extra benefits, and let you know about other grants and support you can apply for. And if you can’t afford to pay for essentials, they’ll try to get you emergency support.

What is the Help through Hardship helpline? 

The Help through Hardship helpline is a free phone service delivered in partnership with Citizens Advice. Their advisers have already helped thousands of people who are worried about money and are here to help you access the support you need. 

How they can help: 

There’s lots of different ways to get financial support. They want to make sure you know about everything you could apply for. Their advisers will be able to give you advice based on your circumstances. When you call them, here are some of the things they can do:  

• Check you’re getting all the benefits you’re eligible for 
• Advise on any extra benefits you might be able to get  
• Identify any grants you might be able to apply for  
• Refer you to Mind’s Infoline for support and information to help you take care of your mental wellbeing  
• Give advice on energy efficiency and smart meters   
• Help you get some emergency support if you can’t afford essentials

How to access Help through Hardship 

If you’re experiencing hardship, you’re not alone. They’ll work with you to help you find a way forward. 

Call the free, confidential helpline on 0808 208 2138 to speak to a friendly adviser. 

Open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Closed on public holidays. 

Support with accessing Help through Hardship 

If you have difficulties communicating on the phone, require translation or British Sign Language interpretation, the below options can help you.