This leaflet is based on learning from Scotland’s A Menu for Change project and has been developed with support from these organisations.
The information on this leaflet was last updated on: 15/06/21
See options 1, 2, 6
See option 2
See options 1, 4
See option 3
Anybody of working age and on a low income may be eligible for Universal Credit. Depending on your circumstances you may be entitled to claim housing benefit.
If you are on a low income and struggling to pay your council tax, please contact the Borough in which you live to apply for council tax support. If you are in receipt of the above and still struggling, you may be eligible for a discretionary payment. Find out more at: www.enfield.gov.uk/financialhardship
Anyone who is struggling financially can get a benefit check and speak to an advisor for free and confidential advice. A benefit check can ensure that you are receiving all the money you’re entitled to, especially if your circumstances have changed recently. Speaking to an advisor could also help you find cheaper deals on things like gas and electricity and make sure you’re not missing out on things like free school meals.
Debt can happen to anyone. Free advice and support can help you find ways to manage your debts and reduce how much you pay each month.
If you have made a new claim for benefit and are in financial hardship while you wait for your first payment, you may be able to get an advance to afford things like rent or food. It’s important to get advice before taking out an advance. Benefit advances must be paid back, and the money will be taken from your future benefit payments (a loan).
If you have been sanctioned, you may be able to request a hardship payment from the Jobcentre. Hardship payments are not always paid immediately, and they’re not available to everyone. Hardship payments of Universal Credit need to be paid back (a loan), but hardship payments of Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance do not (not a loan).
You can challenge a benefit decision if your benefit has been stopped / sanctioned / reduced / refused or you have been overpaid. Most benefit decisions need to be challenged within one month.
Welfare Advice and Debt Support
A single point of contact for income and council debt issues, supporting residents to maximise income, pay council debts and remove barriers to work
www.enfield.gov.uk/financialhardship
Helps with options: 1 2 3
Housing Advisory Service
Housing advice and support for those who are homeless or at risk of being homeless
housingadviceservice@enfield.gov.uk
www.enfield.gov.uk/services/housing
Helps with option: 1
Citizens Advice Enfield
Free, accessible, quality advice with problems such as housing, employment, benefits, debts or immigration issues
0808 278 7837 (freephone)
www.citizensadviceenfield.org.uk/contact-us
Helps with options: 1 2 3 5 6
Citizens Advice National
Universal Credit Help To Claim: 0800 144 8848 (freephone)
Helps with options: 2 4
Debtline 0800 240 4420 (freephone)
Helps with option: 3
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Free debt counselling
07596 735 789
info@enfielddebt.org
www.sentlondon.co.uk/enfielddebtcentre
Help with options: 2 3 6
Debt management charity with two centres in Enfield
0800 328 0006 (freephone)
www.capuk.org
Help with options: 3
Enfield Connections
Advice and assistance for vulnerable adults with benefit enquiries, online form filling and more
0203 960 0129
info@enfieldconnections.org
Self-referral Form: http://bit.ly/EnfieldSelf
Enfield Carers Centre
Training, information and support for carers including advice on benefits, money management, and employment
www.enfieldcarers.org
0208 366 3677
info@enfieldcarers.org
Turn2us
Information and financial support to help people get back on track, including benefits calculator and grants you might be able to apply for
0800 802 2000 (freephone)
www.turn2us.org.uk
Visit www.gov.uk for a list of all benefits including disability benefits:
www.gov.uk/browse/benefits
Samafal
Employment services, money management courses and bilingual debt support
0208 3732722 | www.samafal.org.uk
Debt Free London
Expert advice to Londoners with problem debt. The advice pages can be translated into Polish, Bengali, Gujarati, Urdu and Spanish
0800 808 5700 (freephone)
www.debtfree.london
National Debt Line
Free and independent debt advice over the phone and online
0808 808 4000 (freephone)
www.nationaldebtline.org
Step Change
Expert debt advice and money guidance
0800 138 1111 (freephone)
www.stepchange.org
