In-work money strain
Working full time but can't afford to live?
You're not alone, and it isn't your fault. Rising rent, energy and food costs mean many people in work are struggling. Our help is free, confidential and judgement-free.
Signs your wages aren't stretching
- ✓Your pay runs out before the end of the month
- ✓You use credit cards or overdrafts for food and bills
- ✓Money is being taken from your wages or Universal Credit
- ✓You're falling behind on rent, council tax or energy
- ✓You're losing sleep or hiding money worries from family
Four steps that can help
Step 1
Check what you're entitled to
Many working people can claim Universal Credit, Council Tax Support or help with childcare costs without realising it.
Step 2
Protect your priority bills
Rent or mortgage, council tax, energy and court fines come first — missing these has the most serious consequences.
Step 3
Ease deductions from your income
Attachments of earnings and Universal Credit deductions can often be reduced if they leave you short.
Step 4
Get breathing room
Breathing Space can pause interest, charges and creditor contact while you get help to sort things out.
Help for your situation
Wages don't cover bills
My wages don't cover my bills — what can I do?
If your pay runs out before the month does, there are practical steps to take today, and free help to sort the rest.
Benefits while working
Can I claim benefits if I'm working?
Being in work doesn't stop you getting help. Universal Credit, Council Tax Support and childcare help are all open to many working people.
Zero-hours and part-time work
Struggling on zero-hours or part-time work?
Unpredictable pay makes budgeting hard. Here's how to steady things and where to get help when hours drop.
Money taken from wages
Money is being taken from my wages — can I stop it?
Attachments of earnings and Direct Earnings Attachments can often be reduced if they leave you unable to afford essentials.
Working parents
Working parent and can't make ends meet?
Childcare, school costs and food add up fast. There's more help for working families than many people realise.
Guides for working people
Working full time but still struggling to pay the bills?
Being in work doesn't mean you can't get help. Here's what to do when wages don't cover the bills.
I'm working but I can't afford my debts — what can I do?
Lots of working people struggle. Sort priority bills first, then look at the options that fit you.
Am I entitled to benefits? How to check in minutes
Lots of people miss out because they assume they won't qualify. A free check takes a few minutes.
Why has my Universal Credit been reduced? Deductions explained
Your payment can drop because of advance repayments, overpayments or bills paid direct. You can ask for less to be taken.
Attachment of earnings taking too much money? How much can they take?
Deductions follow set rules. If they leave you without enough for essentials, you can challenge them.
Can an attachment of earnings be reduced?
Yes. If the deductions leave you short for essentials, you can ask for them to be lowered.
What is a Direct Earnings Attachment (DEA) on my payslip?
A DEA is how the DWP takes back benefit overpayments from your wages — without going to court.
What is Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space?
A legal protection that pauses creditor action for as long as you're in mental health crisis treatment, plus 30 days.
Hiding debt from your partner? Am I liable for their debts?
Secret debt is more common than you think. You're usually only liable for debts in your own name or joint names.
Struggling to feed your family? Where to get help now
Food, heating and housing come before credit cards and loans. Here's where to get emergency help.
Talk it through with us
Free help, whether you're on a full-time wage, part-time hours or zero-hours contract.