New to benefits?

It's important to make sure that you get all the help that you're entitled to. These pages give you information about the benefits you may be eligible for as well as practical support on how to apply for them.

What’s available? Understanding grants, benefits and changes to your allowance

• entitledto can help you find out which welfare benefits you are eligible for

• Welfare benefits advice from Citizens Advice Kingston, including how to appeal

• Understanding universal credit

• Migrant Advocacy Service can provide language-assisted advice and guidance

• Money talks from Citizens Advice Kingston can help you to budget and save money by switching energy or phone suppliers

• Welfare Reform Team can help you understand any changes to your welfare allowance

How do I make a claim? Practical employment & benefits support

• Jobcentre Plus can support you to find employment and access benefits

• Moving from benefits to work advice and information

• Help to claim universal credit service from Citizens Advice Kingston can offer practical support right up to your first benefit payment

• Kingston Centre for Independent Living (KCIL) offers information, advice, and support to people with disabilities, their families and/or carers

• Appealing a benefits decision

Other useful links

Financial abuse is when someone might stop you from having control over your money as a way of trying to exert power over you. This is a crime. Find out more about protecting yourself against financial abuse.

If you don’t have any savings and are facing an emergency cash shortfall, borrowing may feel like your only option. Take care when considering borrowing money, and read these borrowing basics from the Money Advice Service.

Financial difficulties can cause a lot of stress. If you are feeling anxious or worried, make sure to take steps to look after your mental health. Click here to explore mental health resources and services