Money Matters

If you are having problems paying for what you need and can't afford to pay for your basic living costs, you may be eligible for help from what Britons call 'benefits' or 'social security'. Benefits and social security cover housing, income and council tax.

The benefits system is very complicated. You will need specialist advice before trying to apply for benefits. A good place to ask for this advice is your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Can I get help?

This will depend on lots of things, such as your nationality, immigration status, length of time in Britain and earnings.
As a rough guide:

  • If you have refugee status you are entitled to all benefits and social security.
  • If you have 'unlimited leave to remain' you may be entitled to some benefits. Seek advice.
  • European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals, and nationals from Croatia, Macedonia, Turkey, Nigeria, Morocco and Tunisia, may be entitled to some benefits if you have the 'right to reside'. Seek advice.
  • If you have 'limited leave to remain' and your visa says 'no recourse to public funds', you will probably not be eligible for any social security benefits.

You will also have to meet specific criteria (guidelines) for each benefit. These say who can get that benefit and have nothing to do with your immigration status.

Emergency funding

If you are in desperate need of money and cannot get benefits or help with housing, there are some charities that offer small amounts of funding.

You may have to get another organisation, such as an HIV charity or the Citizens Advice Bureau, to apply for you.

Crusaid Hardship Fund

This fund is only for people with HIV. An HIV organisation will have to apply on your behalf.

Vicar's Relief Fund
The Vicar's Relief Fund makes grants to 'those who are in need or suffering hardship'. Many of the people that the fund helps have experienced homelessness or are threatened with homelessness.

Someone from the Citizens Advice Bureau will have to apply on your behalf.

Fund for Human Need

This fund is for refugees, asylum seekers and people who are homeless. The fund only has a small amount of funding available each month.
Telephone: 01757 706 040