Ways to tackle debt and how to budget on a low income
With the cost of living crisis still biting, we know that managing your budget on a low income can be really tough.
It can be easy to fall behind on rent and utility bill payments and get into debt, and while you may be able to borrow some money from friends or family this could lead to more debt and have an impact not only on your relationships, but also on your peace of mind and wellbeing.
So, what can you do? Well, we’ve researched a few organisations that can offer guidance and advice if you’re feeling financially frazzled.
Disability Rights UK
Through our partnership with Disability Rights UK (DRUK), we're providing our tenants with the opportunity to check if they're receiving all the benefits they're eligible for.
This service isn’t limited to our disabled tenants – it’s available to all, and it’s FREE.
Simply call our Customer Services Team at Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 and ask for our Rent Assist Team.
They’ll talk to you about your situation and ask you questions about your income, current benefits, and household situation.
From that conversation, they’ll be clearer about if they can offer you advice or if they should refer you for specialist benefits advice from DRUK to find out if you're entitled to any additional benefits.
Budget planner
The Government-backed budget planner by Money Helper is a free tool, which can help you see what money you have coming in and where you’re spending it.
It helps you keep a track of your finances and will give you personalised tips to keep you on budget.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice is a charity that can help you with advice on a variety of topics from debt advice to employment law.
When you visit the Citizens Advice website, you can enter your postcode and it will tell you where your local office is located. Or, if you prefer, there is a wealth of information on the website for you to read.
If you are in debt, Citizens Advice can advise on which debt is the most important to focus on, and help you with payment plans or coming to an arrangement with companies you are in debt with.
StepChange
Debt charity StepChange provides free advice to help you manage your debt.
They will ask about your budget, income and debt, to find out the best solution for you. Once the solution is put in place, they will support you for as long as you need.
You can use their services online or over the phone by calling 0800 138 1111. You can also access their services through a British Sign Language interpreter.
