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Make the most of money you have and claim what you are entitled to

If you’re struggling to manage your money, or have debt problems, get support from:

Citizens Advice Bristol offer face-to-face support across Bristol and via their national advice line: Freephone 0808 278 7957 Textphone (for the hard of hearing) 0800 144 88 84 Lines are open Monday – Friday, from 9:00 – 5:00pm.

Age UK Bristol helpline 0117 929 7537 The reception line is open Mon – Fri, 10am – 1pm. One of the team will take your information and pass it onto the Information and Advice team.

The ‘Worrying about money’ leaflet contains details of more advice and support available in Bristol. The leaflet is available in different languages (Feeding Bristol).

Clean Slate offers Quids in! Money Guidance – a unique, free service for people on low incomes. They run drop-in services and virtual support (via phone and video call). Their Money Health Check (Clean Slate) uses 25 straight-forward yes or no questions to help you make a plan. The process is designed to increase digital, as well as financial confidence, leaving people, on average, over £1000 better off.

Visit Money Saving Expert for more tips on cutting your costs.

BOPF work with organisations in Bristol who give out the Household Support Fund (Bristol City Council).

Bristol City Council have useful information and advice on their website. If you’re outside Bristol get help with the rising cost of living (South Gloucestershire Council) and cost of living support (Bath & North East Somerset).

Claim what you are entitled to

Age UK’s Benefits Calculator can help you find out which benefits you could be entitled to. It’s free to use and the details you provide are kept anonymous. Get help to pay bills, boost income and pay for care or bereavement (Age UK). Make sure you’re getting the money you should be.

Lots of people who have reached state pension age aren’t receiving Pension Credit payments (Age UK).

The average Pension Credit award is worth around £3,900 per year and it opens doors to other support, including the Winter Fuel Payment, help with housing costs, council tax and heating bills.

To claim Pension Credit, you can either:

• claim online on GOV.UK (if you already claim State Pension and there aren’t any children or young people included in your claim)
• call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 and they can fill in the application for you over the phone (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm).