Where can I get help in a money crisis? Welfare Information Line

The Southampton Welfare Line 023 8001 0883

This is available from Monday to Friday 10am - 12:30pm and 1:30pm - 4pm. There will be an answering machine at all other times. 

This service can assist you by providing information about support available locally.

If you are struggling in a crisis it is really important that you get help. There are lots of organisations in the city that can offer support for the following:

• Homelessness
• Mental Health
• Domestic Violence
• Family Support
• Welfare Rights and Money Advice
• Universal Credit
• More information on Universal Credit is available from
• Citizens Advice
• Universal Credit
• Help from Jobcentre Plus

Although Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants have been abolished you can still apply for an Interim payment (short-term benefit advance) or a Budgeting Loan from Jobcentre Plus.

Universal Credit advance

If you have claimed Universal Credit you can ask for a Universal Credit advance:

As soon as you make your claim for Universal Credit

Before you get your first payment

If you are already being paid Universal Credit and have a change in your circumstances that means you will be paid more Universal Credit but have not yet been paid the increased amount

To apply for a Universal Credit advance you can:

Speak to your Jobcentre Plus work coach

Apply through your online account

Call the Universal Credit helpline

Universal Credit helpline

Telephone: 0800 328 5644
Textphone: 0800 328 1344
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Hardship Payments

If your benefit has been sanctioned, suspended or there is a delay in making a decision about benefit you may be able to get a hardship payment. You will not automatically get this and you will need to show that you or your family are suffering severe financial hardship.

To apply for a hardship Payment you will need to complete form 'JSA10' that is available from Jobcentre Plus

Budgeting Loans

If you have been claiming certain income-related benefits for at least six months, you can apply for an interest-free loan from Jobcentre Plus to pay for essential items such as:

A cooker, fridge and washing machine

Furniture such as a bed or sofa

Costs of moving into a new home

Clothes for a job interview or so you can start work

Visit https://www.gov.uk/budgeting-help-benefits to find out more and make an application.

This information is all taken from the Southampton City Council website page here: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/benefits-welfare/benefits-advice/benefit-changes/support--crisis.aspx