Here are answers to some money matters questions we have been asked. If you have a question that hasn’t been answered, please email us at enquiries@bvt.org.uk or call us on 0300 333 6540.

1: I’m behind on my rent, what should I do?

Please don’t struggle in silence, speak to us. We can work with you to try and find an affordable payment plan and our Money Matters team may be able to help you find extra financial help like benefits or grants.

2: Can you help me buy food?

If you’re struggling to put food on your table, we can refer you to your local foodbank who can provide you with an emergency food parcel based on the size of your household. We can also speak with you about other food help, which may include referrals to food pantries or charities. Please call us on 0300 333 6540 if you’re struggling to buy food and we can discuss the options available.

3: I’m in debt, can you help me?

Our Money Matters team can go through your income and expenditure with you, helping you create a budget and look at ways you could save money. However, we’re not regulated debt workers so we will give you a variety of options to find the specialist support you need from organisations like StepChange and CAB.

4: I’ve seen lots in the news about changes to benefits like the Personal Independent Payment (PIP), and I’m worried. What should I do?

If you’re concerned about a current or future Personal Independent Payment (PIP) assessment or claim, please get in touch with The Project (if you live in Birmingham) or Citizens Advice for Telford – both organisations have experience in providing support with PIPs. Our friendly Money Matters team is also available if you have general concerns about benefits or managing your money. And you can now self-refer to the team quickly and easily on our Money Matters service page.

5: I’m worried about the school holidays and balancing my budget, do you have any suggestions?

The Money Helper website – www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en – is full of useful information including great budget planners, access to free and impartial debt advice and benefit guidance. Where possible, we also share details of free/low costs events on our Facebook page. Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert website – www.moneysavingexpert.com – also has useful information about discounts and deals on food and days out.

6: How do I claim Universal Credit (UC)?

You can apply for Universal Credit online at www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim. You need to create an account to make a claim. You must complete your claim within 28 days of creating your account or you will have to start again. Your claim starts on the date you submit it in your account.

If you live with your partner, you will both need to create accounts. You’ll link them together when you claim. You cannot claim by yourself. If you’re in work or have other sources of income, we recommend you complete a benefit calculator before you claim to see if you are better off or how a UC claim would affect your household income. You can do this using our benefit calculator.

7: How do I get help with my Universal Credit (UC) claim?

There are two ways to get help with your Universal Credit claim:

• You can call the Universal Credit helpline for free on 0800 328 5644.
• You can get free support from trained advisers through the Help to Claim service. They can help you with things like online applications or preparing for your first jobcentre appointment. The Help to Claim service is provided by Citizens Advice and is confidential.

If you need further advice, you can contact our Money Matters team by completing the referral form on our Money Matters service page.

8: I’m worried about my gas and electricity bills rising and balancing my budget, do you have any suggestions?

Firstly, contact your energy supplier to check you’re on the lowest available tariff. You can also set up a Direct Debit, especially for dual fuel (gas and electricity) which providers usually offer at a better rate. This will help you manage your bills all year round, as you know how much money is going to your energy provider each month. Also take a look at Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis’s ‘Cheap Energy Club’ to see what deals and providers are out there to suit you. If you’re really struggling to pay your energy bills, contact Act on Energy. They are a team of qualified energy advisors. Lastly, create your own budget planner with all your priority payments and debts. Money Helper have a free budget planner and a wealth of information on finances.