Help with money matters

We can help with a range of money matters

Bolton at Home colleague sat with a customer at a laptop.

We can help with a range of money matters. Whether you're worried about your finances — including paying rent and other bills — or simply seeking helpful tips and advice, we're here to support you.

This section of our website explains the different ways we can support you or someone you care about with money and debt-related matters. It also includes our top tips and advice on a range of money and debt-related topics. Just tap on the tabs below to learn more.

Each year, we provide free support to help thousands of individuals and families to maximise their income** - and we can help you regardless of whether you're receiving benefits.

**You can tap here to read our latest Annual Report, which includes figures on how many people we've supported with money advice.

Could we help you or a loved one, too?

Tap here if you'd like free, confidential advice from our Money Advice Team

Decorative header image reading 'Got money worries? Our Money Advice Team's got your back. Just ask.'

Want to speak with someone about your situation? Our Money Advice Team offer free, confidential, and independent advice on a full range of money matters for anyone living in one of our properties.

Every year, friendly staff in our Money Advice Team help thousands of individuals and families. Some of the things they can help with include:

  • money worries,
  • managing the money you have in a better way,
  • working out which debts to pay first,
  • getting all the right income and benefits entitlement,
  • where to access affordable credit (such as through Hoot Credit Union),
  • accessing and managing your bank account,
  • and more.

A quick chat could make all the difference. You can call our Money Advice Team on 01204 328000 or tap here for more information and contact details for our Money Advice Team.

Tap here to see our tips on managing money, accessing affordable loans, and dealing with debt

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Our website includes a full suite of advice on a range of money and debt-related matters:

We've included this advice and guidance on our website so you can:

  • Self-help using this information.
  • Understand what other support services are available to you.
  • Get dedicated one-to-one support from our Money Advice Team if you need more in-depth help*.

*As always, just tap here if you'd like to speak with someone from our Money Advice Team for more personalised support. We're here if you need us.

Tap here to look at ways to reduce your household bills

Our free home energy advice service can help you to lower your gas and electricity bills:

Home energy bills can be expensive. That's why we have friendly Home Energy Advisers who can support you by:

  • reviewing your energy tariffs (when the market allows),
  • sharing tips to reduce energy costs (while keeping things warm during the colder months),
  • providing advice on Winter Fuel Payments,
  • supporting you with energy disputes,
  • and — where possible — providing more tailored support based on your circumstances.

Just tap here to book a free home energy advice session. This service is available to all Bolton residents — even if you aren't one of our tenants.

We offer telephone appointments to our tenants living outside of Bolton.

Want to see our handy online tips and guidance for lowering your energy bills?

Tap here if you'd like advice on benefits (including Universal Credit)

Being aware of the benefits you're entitled to and how much you can claim isn't always easy to work out. In fact, over £19 billion goes unclaimed every year.

We have a dedicated section on our website that provides a full suite of advice and guidance on benefits, including Universal Credit.

Tap here to visit the 'Help with benefits' section of our website.

Tap here if you need urgent help with food, bills, or something else

There are many different places you can go for help if you're in a crisis. It could be that you need urgent help with food, bills (like energy/utility bills), or that you need help to obtain an essential item for your home.

You can tap below to visit our dedicated page that includes information on:

  • Local Welfare Provision (LWP).
  • Hardship Fund.
  • Hardship Payment.
  • Food banks and food pantries.
  • And more.

Tap here for more information on how to access different services and support if you're in urgent need.

What should I do if I have money worries?

Do:

Don't:

  • Ignore debts. They will not go away and the longer you leave them, the worse they will get.
  • Panic. Friendly staff in our Money Advice Team provide a free, independent, and confidential service to help with money worries.
  • Take out more loans to pay off debts. Talk to us first.
  • Feel alone with your money problems. We're here to help, so please contact us.
  • Feel harassed or intimidated. You still have rights even though you owe money.

Be aware of high interest lenders:

Debt management companies, doorstep lenders, loan sharks, and high street money lenders all exist to make money from you. They will charge high interest rates and make charges for lending money. You can tap here for our guidance on how to prevent and deal with debts.

We understand people may need to borrow money sometimes. If you need a loan, we’d recommend a local credit union like Hoot – Bolton’s Credit Union. They offer low-cost loans at a fair rate of interest and help you save money for the future. Tap here for more information on Hoot Credit Union.

You can access advice and guidance on a range of money topics on our website:

Other people who can help with money matters

There are other people who can help with money and debt-related matters. All of these services offer free and impartial help and support:

MoneyHelper (formerly the Money Advice Service):

Stop Loan Sharks:

The IVA Specialists:

Bolton’s Money Skills:

Hoot Credit Union:

Citizens Advice Bury & Bolton (CABB):