Help with money
See how we can help you with benefits, savings, utility bills, and free debt-guidance.
See if you’re entitled to benefits
It’s important to regularly check what benefits and financial support your household is entitled to. You can find out more about benefits and financial support on the Government website.
Benefits calculator
Find out which benefits you can claim with our simple online benefits calculator. You’ll also be able to discover how much better off you’ll be in work.
It’s free to use, takes just a few minutes, and is completely anonymous.
Get help with entitlements and managing debt
You are not alone when it comes to your entitlements and managing debt. Hear from Wendy Sweeney, who is part of our Money Guidance team, on how we can help.
Our top money guidance tips
Prioritise your bills
Some bills are more important than others as some unpaid bills can lead to you losing your home, being fined, or even being imprisoned. Your priority bills are:
- rent or mortgage
- council tax
- energy bills (excluding water bills)
- TV licence
- court fines
- child maintenance.
Make a budget
Write down your regular outgoings and use a budget planning tool to help you work out how much you’re spending. Your budget should include:
- rent or mortgage
- council tax
- energy, phone, and internet bills
- TV license and subscription services
- food
- transport
- clothes.
The independent Money Helper website has a simple online budget planner that can be really helpful. It shows what you can afford and how you might be able to save money.
Get help with budgeting
You are not alone when it comes to making ends meet and budgeting. Hear from Julie Best, who is part of our Money Guidance Team, on how we can help.
Look after your wellbeing
Money can have an impact on your mental wellbeing, leading to stress, anxiety, and loss of sleep.
Things may sometimes feel overwhelming but remember that you are not alone, and we are here to help.
Managing household costs
Food is usually one of the biggest expenses of a household, but there are a number of ways you may be able to get help with food and other household costs. Your local council’s website should have information on support in your area.
Local food banks
Food banks and food pantries are community-led, social supermarkets that provide heavily discounted food to people in need. They typically operate on a membership basis. You can find your nearest food bank through our partner organisation The Trussell Trust.
Healthy Start vouchers
If you’re pregnant or have children under the age of four you can get free Healthy Start vouchers or payments every four weeks to spend on things like milk, fruit, and vegetables. Find out more on the NHS website
Get support from Clarion Futures
To get support with any of the areas mentioned above, submit a contact form and one of our Clarion Futures support team will be in touch.
Before you complete the form, please note that:
- you must be a Clarion resident
- Clarion Futures is unable to answer questions about Housing Benefit, rent changes, and repairs.