Financial Support

 
Where to get help and support:

If you’re in financial difficulties

If you want to claim benefits or check your entitlement

If you’ve had a problem with a financial service

 

 
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Money Problems?

 
Always tackle money problems straight away, before they become serious.
 
 

If You are Running up Debts

If you are facing escalating debts even after making sensible cutbacks, or if you have already missed credit card or loan payments, or have fallen behind with rent or utilities bills, get help ASAP:
 

  • Talk to your bank straight away, then they are more likely to be helpful.
  • Check if you are entitled to claim benefits to ease the situation.
  • Don’t ignore debt problems – they will only get worse as interest and late payment charges build up; they will also harm your credit rating, making future borrowing more difficult.
  • Don’t borrow more to pay off existing debt, because that can lead to money problems spiralling out of control.

 
 

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If you are struggling with Student Loan repayments contact the Student Loans Company
 
 

Free Help & Advice

 

National Debtline
Call 0808 808 4000
Or use their online service: My Money Steps

 

StepChange Debt Charity
Call 0800 138 1111

 

Local Debt Advice Services – Money Advice Service
Search by town/post-code – speak to an adviser, book a face-to-face appointment, or contact them online

 

Debt Problems: What To Do & Where To Get Help – Money Saving Expert

 

Money Tips For Graduates – Money Advice Service
Advice for staying on top of your finances, whether you are starting your career, doing postgraduate education or travelling

 

Business Debtline
A National Debtline service for the self-employed
Call 0800 197 6026

 
 
 

Benefits Entitlement

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You might be able to claim benefits (e.g. Jobseekers Allowance) if you are:

  • Looking for work
  • Doing an unpaid internship
  • On a low income
  • Staying in education

 
If you don’t have employment immediately after graduation, it is worth checking your entitlement to benefits and pursuing any claim without delay, because it can take a while to process and it is rare to receive backdated payments.
 
 

While You are Looking for Work

You may be entitled to Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)

JSA is currently a minimum of £57.90 per week, although the actual allowance depends on individual circumstances.
Even if you are working (less than 16 hours a week), you can still claim a reduced amount.
Any savings (£6,000 – £16,000) will reduce the amount you can claim.

Jobcentre Plus
Contact your local office to get advice or make a claim

New benefit claims
0800 055 66881

 

Find out more:

Jobseekers Allowance
Government website with useful advice on eligibility & how to claim

Benefits For People Looking For Work – Citizens Advice Bureau

 
 
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If You are Renting

If your Jobseekers’ Allowance claim is successful, you may also be eligible for benefits to help with rent, council tax and utilities bills etc.

Check if the landlord/letting agent accepts tenants on housing benefit.
 

Housing Benefit – Shelter

Housing Benefit – GOV.UK

Council Tax Reduction

 
 

During an Unpaid Internship

It used to be the case that you could not claim Jobseekers’ Allowance while you were doing an unpaid internship; however in some councils this has recently changed, so you might be entitled to financial support.
Check with your local Job Centre Plus.
 
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If You are Staying in Education

There are various options to help with funding postgraduate studies including bursaries, scholarships and loans.

Funding Postgraduate Study – Prospects

Funding For Postgraduate Study – GOV.UK

Professional & Career Development Loans – GOV.UK

 
 

Change In Circumstances

If you are claiming benefits, inform Jobcentre Plus immediately of any change to your situation, because it will affect how much benefit you receive, and failure to do so could be considered as benefit fraud.
(Voluntary work should not affect the amount you receive, but do inform the Job Centre just in case).
 
 

Find out more on benefits & eligibility:

Benefits For People On A Low Income – Citizens Advice Bureau

Benefits Calculators:
entitledto     Turn2Us
Find out what you could get & how to claim

 
 
 

Consumer Rights – Resolving Problems with Financial Services

Bank Account - worried grad outside bank 
If you are unhappy with the service you have received from your bank or another financial institution, there are procedures to follow and independent organisations to help resolve problems:
 

Sort out a Money Problem or Make a Complaint – Money Advice Service
Things you should know before you complain & what steps to take

 

Financial Ombudsman Service

Helps to settle disputes between consumers & UK-based providers of financial services – including banks & building societies, insurance, credit cards, financial advisers etc.

Enquiries & consumer helpline:
0800 023 4567

 

Financial Conduct Authority – FCA

Consumers can find out about their rights with banking & other financial services
How to complain, & how to avoid or report scams

 
 
 

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