Help with your bills
Free or discounted travel - If you claim certain benefits, you could be entitled to free or discounted travel on the Transport for London Network. There are several categories available depending on your circumstances. Check to see if you are eligible.
Get free mobile data - The council’s four Community Hubs are now registered data banks and can give away free data sim cards to those who qualify.
Social tariffs for cheaper broadband and data - If you are on a low income, you could be paying less for your broadband or mobile phone bills.
Get money off your Thames Water bill - Low income households could get a 50% discount on their water bill.
How much does it cost to run appliances in the home - Find out how much typical household appliances cost to run and which might be costing you the most money.
Freecycle - Find household objects being given away for free in your local community.
Local financial support and government financial support - If you need help with your bills.
Benefits
Benefits calculator - Make sure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to and calculate how much you could receive.
Community benefits team - The community benefits team provides general advice about benefit entitlements.
Extra financial support – find out about additional financial support from organisations that may not appear in other benefits calculators. Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to access national grant schemes or qualify for financial awards. A quick check on Lightning Reach will help identify any extra financial support you can apply for.
Financial help
Credit Union - Fair savings and loans.
Debt advice - Get independent and free advice from MoneyHelper, an organisation that specialises in supporting people who are in debt.
Nearly 1 in 4 Ealing residents (24% according to the Money and Pensions Service) could benefit from debt advice. National Debtline provides free, impartial debt advice for people struggling with problem debt, you can also phone them on 0808 808 4000.
Apply for a Debt Relief Order that can give you and your family a fresh start by writing off unmanageable debts of up to £30,000 after 12 months - since 6 April there is no longer a £90 fee. Terms and conditions will apply.
Free government advice from Money and Pension Service - Access free money and pension guidance either online or over the phone to help you clear debts, reduce spending and make the most of your income.
Money saving ideas - Get ideas on how to save money on every day items and shop around for the best deals.
Personal budgeting support (LWA) - The local welfare assistance team can provide you with personalised advice on how to manage your budget so you can feel more in control of your finances. Learn Ealing, the council’s adult learning team also has free maths workshops and courses as part of a Multiply project such as moneysaving tips, manage your money and avoid debt, credit cards and interest rates and balancing income with expenditure.
‘Your Money Matters’ - A free book written by money expert, Martin Lewis, which covers a whole range of financial topics such as savings, borrowing, budgeting and keeping your money safe. Written specifically for high school children, it is an easy to understand guide which is useful for anyone wanting to manage their finances effectively.
Scams and sharks
Be aware of scams - Find out how to identify if something may be a scam and what to do if you think you have been targeted.
Report a loan shark - If you or someone you know has borrowed money from an illegal money lender there is help available.