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Benefits and grants check: help you might be missing

Billions in benefits and discounts go unclaimed every year. Before you offer creditors anything, spend ten minutes checking you are getting all the help you are entitled to.

Applies to: UK-wide

Written by The My Debt Cleared editorial teamLast reviewed 18 October 2026Next review 18 April 2027Jurisdiction UK-wideEditorial policy
Use a free, independent benefits calculator to see what you could claim, then check Council Tax Reduction with your council, social tariffs for water and broadband, and energy support such as the Warm Home Discount. Pensioners should check Pension Credit, which unlocks other help. If you need emergency help with food or bills, your council runs local crisis support.

What to do now

  1. Run a benefits calculator — links below.
  2. Ask your council about Council Tax Reduction and crisis support: find your council.
  3. Ask your water and broadband providers about social tariffs.

Free benefits calculators

GOV.UK lists independent calculators you can use anonymously, including entitledto, Turn2us and Policy in Practice. GOV.UK benefits calculators.

Other help to check

  • Council Tax Reduction — from your council, and separate from benefits.
  • Water social tariffs — most water companies offer reduced bills for low incomes.
  • Broadband and phone social tariffs — for people on certain benefits; Ofcom lists them.
  • Warm Home Discount and supplier hardship funds for energy debt.
  • Pension Credit — if you are over State Pension age; it also opens up other help.
  • Local crisis support — councils run emergency help with food, energy and essentials.
  • Grants from charities — Turn2us has a grants search.

Then work out what you can pay

Once your income is as high as it can be, use the budget calculator and the Bill Prioritiser.

You can get free, impartial debt advice

You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation.

Common questions

How do I check what benefits I can get?

Use a free, anonymous independent calculator such as entitledto, Turn2us or Policy in Practice, linked from GOV.UK.

Is Council Tax Reduction a benefit?

It is a reduction run by your council, and you apply to the council separately from other benefits.

Where can I get emergency help with bills?

Your council runs local crisis support for essentials such as food and energy. Energy suppliers and charities may also have hardship funds.

Find your councilBudget calculatorCan’t afford foodEnergy debt
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