Referral tool - I Suddenly Have No Money
I suddenly have no money
What are some options?
Benefit advance or hardship payment: If you have applied for benefits and are waiting for your first payment you may be able to get an advance. This will have to be paid back. If you have no money because of a sanction, you may be able to claim a hardship payment from the Jobcentre. Hardship payments of Universal Credit need to be paid back, but hardship payments of JSA or ESA do not. You should get advice before accessing either of these.
Who can help:Tameside Welfare Rights or Citizens Advice Tameside
Challenging a decision: You can challenge a benefit decision if your benefit has been stopped, sanctioned, or reduced and you believe the decision is wrong. Most decisions need to be challenged within one month, or within 13 months if there are special reasons for delay.
Who can help:Tameside Welfare Rights, Citizens Advice Tameside or GM Law Centre
Benefit check: A benefit check can ensure you are receiving your maximum entitlement and you can receive help to claim benefits. If you’re pregnant or have a child under four years old you can also ask the advisor about healthy start vouchers: www.healthystart.nhs.uk
Self-check online: benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk
Who can help:Tameside Welfare Rights, Citizens Advice Tameside or GM Law Centre
Migrant destitution fund: Crisis grants of up to £80 per month are available for destitute migrants who are subject to immigration controls and have no recourse to public funds.
Check eligibility: www.migrantdestitution.co.uk
Who can help:Infinity Initiatives
Who can help?
Tameside Welfare Rights
We offer free specialist advice and support to Tameside residents on welfare benefits issues, including challenging benefit decisions and providing representation at appeal tribunals. Our debt advice service assists those residents who are facing eviction by a social landlord or mortgage lender.
Welfare Rights Advice Line: 0800 074 9985 - Mon-Fri 9.30-12.30pm
Debt advice: 0161 342 3494 - Mon-Fri 9-4pm
Citizens Advice Tameside
Free, confidential advice on welfare benefits, financial capability, immigration & residency issues, human rights, family & personal issues. We offer specialist services in debt, housing and employment. We can provide support to complete benefit application forms.
Tel: 0808 278 7805 - For universal credit support: 0800 144 8 444
Textphone: 03444 111 445 - Mon-Fri 9-5pm
GM Law Centre
Free, independent advice including benefit checks, support completing application forms for disability benefits, and appeals on benefit decisions and sanctions. We also offer employment legal advice, legal advice for those experiencing homelessness, and those at risk of losing their homes.
Tel: 0161 769 2244 - Mon-Fri 10-3pm
Infinity Initiatives
We can refer those with no recourse to public funds to the Migrant Destitution Fund, contact us directly if you need this support. We also provide free practical and emotional support, advocacy and counselling. This is available to all residents in Tameside.
Tel: 0161 3396137 - Mon-Fri 9.30-2.30pm
Other Support