Useful Resources
Welfare Benefits
These tools can help you quickly check what benefits you might be entitled to, explore different financial scenarios, and even find extra support such as charitable grants. They also offer free and impartial guidance on budgeting, managing money, and coping with the rising cost of living. Giving you practical ways to feel more in control of your finances.
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Check benefits and financial support you can get – GOV.UK – Quick eligibility check for benefits tailored to your circumstances
Benefits calculators – GOV.UK – Multiple tools to estimate benefit entitlements and explore ‘what if’ scenarios
Tackling Financial Insecurity Together | Turn2us – Tools to discover benefit eligibility and funding from various charitable sources
Benefit form guides
Check how to fill in your claim form – Citizens Advice – Step-by-step question guidance with examples for PIP applications
Fill in the work capability form: how your conditions affect you – Citizens Advice – Step-by-step guide to help complete your ESA50/UC50
Tips on completing the Disability Living Allowance form – Detailed guidance for DLA Child form, using examples and extra detail.
Local services
My Money | Karbon Homes – for Benefit appeal support in County Durham
Universal Credit application – Citizens Advice – for support with your first Universal Credit claim or support with managed migration
Debt & Money
These resources can help you to take control of your money by offering free, expert debt advice, practical budgeting tools, and easy-to-use calculators. They provide guidance on managing bills, finding savings, and exploring debt solutions, as well as personalised support if you need help creating a plan that works for your situation. With these tools, you can get clear steps to reduce financial pressure and build more confidence in handling your money.
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StepChange Debt Charity. Free Expert Debt Help & Advice – Debt solutions, budgeting tools, calculators, breathing space assistance
Budget planner | Free online budget planning tool | MoneyHelper – Budget planner, savings and bill-cutting tips, benefits eligibility tools
Free Debt Advice and Support | National Debtline – My Money Steps tool, webchat/phone support, personalised debt guidance
Budget Planner: how to manage your money – MoneySavingExpert – Practical budgeting tools, savings guides, and community-driven advice
Local services
CMA County Durham – for local debt advice
Citizens Advice County Durham – for local debt advice
East Durham Trust – for local debt advice
Consumer
These services can help you understand your rights as a consumer, whether you’re dealing with faulty goods, poor service, or unfair treatment. They offer clear guidance on the law, practical tools for making complaints, and ways to escalate issues if needed. You can also find specialist support for international disputes, giving you the confidence to challenge problems and get fair outcomes.
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Contact the consumer service – Citizens Advice – if you need more help with a consumer problem. For example they can help with things like broken or faulty goods, or problems with post.
Consumer Help and Advice | Chartered Trading Standards Institute UK – Access to Trading Standards, official enforcement escalation
Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Which? – User friendly breakdowns of rights, plus complaint tools and guides
Housing Support
These resources provide clear guidance on housing issues, from understanding your rights as a tenant to getting help if you’re facing eviction, homelessness, or unsafe living conditions. They explain what support councils and local services can offer, and connect you with specialist charities if you need urgent help. You can also find advice on housing rights for survivors of domestic abuse, including access to safe accommodation and legal protections
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Housing advice from Shelter – Shelter England – Practical advice for renters, evictions, homelessness, and housing issues
Housing and local services – GOV.UK – Official summaries on housing types, support schemes, and local authority services
District Provision Tool – Housing and homelessness – Guidance – GOV.UK – Directory of charities, local services, and support for homelessness and housing aid
Domestic abuse and housing support (Don’t know if this is the housing support) – Legal rights for survivors: homelessness, council duty, and refuge access
Energy Support
These services can help you manage the cost of energy and keep your home warm. They provide clear information on grants, benefits, and emergency schemes, as well as practical tools to cut bills and improve energy efficiency. You can also get tailored advice if you’re on a low income or struggling with payments, along with guidance from energy suppliers on the protections and support available.
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Help with your energy bills: If you’re on benefits or have a low income – GOV.UK – Official info on support schemes and emergency relief
Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills – Citizens Advice – Clear guidance on eligibility and how to apply for bill support schemes
Energy saving calculators and tools – Energy Saving Trust – Energy-saving tools, calculators, and renewable energy advice
Energy Advice and Support Service – National Energy Action (NEA) – Tailored, free energy bill support with multiple access channels
Support with energy bills – Energy UK – Supplier-focused advice and guidance on accessing support and protections
Local services
Energy & Heating Advice- Groundwork NE & Cumbria – free energy advice and support
Immigration
These services can connect you with trusted immigration advisers and specialist organisations. Who offer guidance on visas, asylum, and settlement, as well as tailored support for vulnerable migrants and refugees. You can search official directories to check an adviser’s credentials, find free local help, or be referred to expert legal assistance depending on your situation.
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Find an immigration adviser: Search for an adviser – GOV.UK – Authoritative directory and explanation of adviser competence.
Get specialist immigration advice – Citizens Advice – Free local support and access to registered advisers