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Budgeting Loans

What are Budgeting Loans? 

If you're on a low income and need help with certain important costs such as rent, food or clothes, you may be eligible for an interest-free Budgeting Loan from the government's Social Fund. There are guidelines on the amount that you can borrow and you will usually be required to pay back what you've borrowed (interest free) within 104 weeks.
Budgeting Loans could help with the following expenses: 
- furniture or household equipment
- clothing or footwear
- rent or removal expenses for a new home
- travelling costs
- getting into employment
- improving, maintaining or securing your home
- repaying debts which you used to pay for the above 
Am I eligible?
Budgeting Loans apply to those who have been claiming Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's allowance, Income related Employment & Support Allowance, and Pension Credits.
 
Budgeting Loans are unlikely to affect your other benefits and you must be receiving an income-related benefit when you apply.

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Jewish Women's Aid

Jewish Women's Aid (JWA) aims to break the silence surrounding domestic violence through education and awareness-raising programmes. It supports women who are experiencing domestic violence and provides a lifeline by offering a refuge, advice, counselling and a confidential freephone helpline. 

JWA is run by Jewish women and their children who have been subjected to domestic violence.

Helpline is 08088010500.

Telephone 020 8445 8060

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Age UK: Rented and Social Housing

This Age UK website page provides information for elderly people on rented and social housing. You can also receive housing advice through their advice line. 

Telephone 0800 678 1602

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Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is the government's arm which is responsible for welfare and pension policy, it is also a key player in tackling child poverty. It is the biggest public service delivery department in the UK and serves over 20 million customers. 

Core businesses of the DWP are the Pension Service, the Disability and Carers Service and Job Centre Plus.

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Depression Alliance

The Depression Alliance works to relieve the isolation that can be associated with depression. They also aim to prevent this treatable condition by providing information and support services to those who are affected by it, through  publications, support services, wellbeing networks, helplines and a network of self-help groups. 

Email Email

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Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline

The London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard provides free and confidential support and information to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities throughout the UK. They aim to provide an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people to help them live comfortably in their community. They can also support anyone who needs to consider issues around their sexuality.

The London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard have a non-judgemental approach and provide a helpline and database to support people in everyday life. If you are questioning your sexuality or gender and don't know where to turn to, this service may help you.

Telephone 0300 330 0630

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Use Your Community

Use Your Community is a directory of voluntary and community organisations that can help you find services in your area. There is also a national category for organisations that offer services across a wider area.

Telephone 020 8555 8468

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Disability and Carers Benefits

GOV.UK provides a wide range of information and advice covering all aspects of money, tax and benefits if you are caring for someone or are registered as disabled. 

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Macular Society

The Macular Society helps anyone who is affected by central vision loss. With more than 15,000 members it is one of the biggest charities with the primary aim of giving people with macular conditions a voice and access to support.

Support includes:

  • access to a helpline for advice
  • information leaflets
  • support groups
  • treatment options guidance
  • befriending service
  • counselling
  • blogs and online community to provide advice, motivation and latest news
  • information about eye care and eye care professionals
  • awareness talks and events
  • research

If you think you could spare a few hours to help someone with a visual impairment and would like to make their life a little easier, you could become a volunteer for the Macular Society.

Telephone 0300 303 0111

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The Centre for Separated Families

The Centre for Separated Families provides practical advice and information services to all family members affected by separation and divorce.

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