Money help and advice
Emergency help
- Food banks in East Sussex
They provide food and other support to local people in crisis. - StepChange - emergency help
The charity StepChange advises on what to do if you are finding it difficult to pay for food and essential bills. - Furniture Now! and Hastings and Rother Furniture Service
Low cost furniture and appliances across East Sussex. Open for all, with discounts for people on benefits or on a low wage. Please take some evidence of your income. - Samaritans
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, the Samaritans can offer help and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone 116 123 or visit the website.
Benefits
To find out about Universal Credit and other benefits you may be entitled to, visit: Benefits
Welfare benefits helpline
Are worries about money impacting your mental health? This service offers free, confidential advice and information. Open to people living in East Sussex Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Phone: 0333 344 0681 (03 calls cost no more than 01 or 02 numbers)
Email: benefitseastsussex@harcuk.com
Website: Welfare benefits helpline
National advice
- Check benefits and financial support you can get - GOV.UK
Find out what support you might be able to get to help with your living costs. - Benefits calculators - GOV.UK
You can use an independent, free and anonymous benefits calculator to check what you could be entitled to.
Free money advice
- Information and advice - East Sussex 1Space
East Sussex 1Space is a directory of organisations that offer a range of advice and support. This includes housing, money, legal, benefits and debt advice.
National organisations
Banks and building societies have lots of advice and support for their customers about managing their money. Check with your bank to see how they can help you.
National organisations that can help include:
- Money Helper
Online advice service approved by the government. It provides free, impartial advice on money and debt issues. - Citizens Advice
A range of information on their website, including information if you’re struggling with living costs. - Turn 2 Us
Personalised benefits and grants information. - StepChange
A national debt help charity giving free, confidential and expert advice. Support with a personal action plan for as long as its needed, online or over the phone. - Stop Loan Sharks
If you have borrowed from a loan shark or are worried about someone else, Stop Loan Sharks can provide emotional and practical support.
For help with mortgages and household bills, see our page about your home.
Gambling
There is free and confidential support if you gamble or are close to someone who does:
- GambleAware - spot the signs
Understand your gambling habits and when they might be harmful. - Breakeven
Local treatment for people affected by problem gambling and their loved ones in Hastings and Eastbourne. - Gamblers Anonymous
Regular meetings in Eastbourne. - Money Helper
Get information on gambling and how it can impact your finances.
If gambling is affecting your mental health, or you're worried about someone else's, find out about support services offered in East Sussex.
Credit unions
Credit unions are local, community-based organisations to help you with loans and saving.
Scams and staying safe online
- Scams
If you think you have been a victim of a scam, or you know someone who has, you can get advice and report it to the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline. You can also learn how to protect yourself and others with an awareness session from Friends Against Scams. - Get Safe online
Protect yourself against online problems like fraud, identity theft, abuse and viruses