Finding a job can be challenging, especially if you’re facing financial hardship. Here’s a comprehensive guide to free essentials, financial support, grants, practical help, and affordable services available to jobseekers in the UK.
1. Benefits and Financial Support
Universal Credit
A monthly payment to help with living and housing costs for those on a low income or out of work. It replaces several older benefits and can include help with rent, childcare, and more.
Universal Credit – GOV.UK
Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Financial support for those actively seeking work.
Other Benefits
You may also be entitled to:
- Housing Benefit (now mostly replaced by Universal Credit)
- Council Tax Support (reduction in your council tax bill if you’re on a low income)
- Child Benefit, Pension Credit, ESA, PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance
Benefits for Low Income – GOV.UK
Benefit Calculators
Check your entitlement quickly and easily:
2. Grants and Free Money
Charity Grants and Hardship Funds
Charitable grants are non-repayable funds for individuals in financial hardship. You may be eligible if you have a specific health condition, background, or are experiencing hardship.
Local Council Support
Most councils offer emergency grants, loans, or vouchers for food, bills, or essential living costs. Search your council’s website for “household support fund” or “local welfare assistance.”
National and Regional Emergency Grants
- England: Local council schemes, food banks, and charitable grants.
- Scotland: Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants via the Scottish Welfare Fund.
Scottish Welfare Fund - Wales: Discretionary Assistance Fund for urgent needs and essential items.
Discretionary Assistance Fund Wales
Other Sources
Some energy suppliers, trade unions, and universities also offer hardship funds or grants.
3. Flexible Support Fund (FSF)
The Flexible Support Fund is a discretionary fund managed by Jobcentre Plus to help jobseekers overcome practical barriers to work, such as:
- Travel expenses for interviews or starting work
- Work clothes, uniforms, or equipment
- Childcare costs for interviews or starting a job
- Training and education costs not covered elsewhere
How to Apply:
Speak to your Jobcentre Plus adviser or work coach.
Flexible Support Fund Information (PDF)
4. Emergency Help and Practical Support
Food Banks
Free food parcels for people in crisis, usually accessed via a voucher from a GP, social worker, or advice agency.
Help with Bills
- Energy and Water Bills: Many councils and charities offer grants or discounts. Some energy suppliers have their own hardship funds.
- Council Tax Reduction: Check with your local council for a reduction or exemption if you’re on a low income.
- Cheaper Broadband and Phone: If you receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for social tariffs. See below for details.
Free Furniture and White Goods
Some councils and charities offer free or discounted furniture and appliances for those in crisis.
Interest-Free Loans and Credit Unions
Some councils and charities offer interest-free loans for essential costs. Credit unions may offer low-cost loans to people who might not qualify for mainstream credit.
Debt and Money Advice
Free, confidential advice is available from:
- Citizens Advice
- StepChange Debt Charity
- National Debtline
- Shelter England – Emergency Grants and Loans
5. Other Essentials
Free School Meals and Uniform Help
If you receive certain benefits, your children may be eligible for free school meals and help with the cost of school uniforms.
Free Childcare
Eligible working parents can get free childcare for children aged 2, 3, and 4.
Free Prescriptions and Health Costs
If you’re on certain benefits, you may be entitled to free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye tests.
Local Libraries
Libraries often offer free internet access, job search resources, and directories such as the Directory of Grant Making Trusts for offline grant searches.
6. Affordable Broadband and Social Tariffs
BT Home Essentials
A low-cost broadband and phone package for people on certain benefits, helping you stay connected for less.
Key Features:
- From £15 per month for broadband and unlimited UK calls
- No early exit fees or setup fees for eligible customers
- Available to those on Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, JSA, or ESA
- Same speeds as standard BT customers
- Annual eligibility review
How to Apply:
BT Home Essentials – Official Site
Other Social Tariffs:
Need More Help?
- Turn2us: www.turn2us.org.uk
- Lightning Reach: www.lightningreach.org.uk
- Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
- Shelter: www.shelter.org.uk