Here are some tips to help you manage your finances better

Start banking

These days, everyone needs a bank account or similar to manage their finances.

This is especially important now that you need to have a bank account to receive Universal Credit.

Bank accounts also allow you to pay your rent and other regular bills by direct debit or standing order – which is more convenient and helps you with budgeting. Paying energy and other bills in this way often gives you better deals too. 

If you are struggling to get a bank account, you may want to consider applying for a credit union account instead. You can find a list of credit unions here.

If you need to complete banking forms online, but you don’t have ready access to a computer, come to our office to use our dedicated workstation. Phone us on 020 8985 7120 to book an appointment

Claim benefits

Working age benefits: Universal Credit

When making a new claim for working age benefits, you need to apply for Universal Credit online.

If you aren’t familiar with computers or have no access to the internet, you are welcome to come to our office to use our dedicated workstation. Phone us on 020 8985 7120 to book an appointment.

You will also find computers you can use at most libraries, community centres and jobcentres.

Be aware that when you claim Universal Credit:

  • Most people will be paid monthly.
  • You will get a single payment for your household.
  • Your first payment will arrive five to six weeks after you apply.
  • You will need to pay your rent yourself – it can only be paid direct to us in exceptional circumstances.

If you are migrating to Universal Credit from one of the six legacy benefits, we recommend paying a small amount of extra rent each week, so that you don’t fall behind when you are moved to Universal Credit.

There is a free benefits calculator on the entitled to website.

Pension age benefits: Pension Credit and Housing Benefit

When someone reaches their state pension age, they move from working-age benefits to Pension Credit and Housing Benefit – unless they have a younger partner.

Get budgeting

By managing your finances more closely, you can make the most of a low income and cope better with recent changes to benefits.

The Money Advice Service, set up by the Government, can help you develop a personal spending plan and give you advice on bank accounts and other financial products. You can contact them by phone on 0300 500 5000.

Income and expenditure

You can also download our simple income and expenditure form to help you get started on better budgeting. If you need help with this, call the office.

Sort out your debts

A number of organisations can give you free, confidential debt advice. If you have debt problems, never use a private company to help you. They will charge you and often give poor advice.

The Citizens Advice Bureau is a good one-stop-shop for general debt and housing-related advice. You can contact them:

There are also free national helplines that can help with debt. They include:

Rent arrears

Our rent arrears web page explains how we can help you get back on track if you get behind with your rent.

Raise your income

You may need to review your income and expenditure – especially if you’re affected by the bedroom tax (a loss of benefit to pay your rent, because you have more bedrooms than you’re allowed). Here are some useful suggestions.

You could:

Sort out your debts

A number of organisations can give you free, confidential debt advice. If you have debt problems, never use a private company to help you. They will charge you and often give poor advice.

The Citizens Advice Bureau is a good one-stop-shop for general debt and housing-related advice. You can contact them:

There are also free national helplines that can help with debt. They include:

Rent arrears

Our rent arrears web page explains how we can help you get back on track if you get behind with your rent.