Find Angel

Who can help

Help that’s out there.

Real organizations, checked by us — free to use, no strings attached. Checked means we opened each organization’s own site and confirmed the link and the number. We don’t call the lines. Every entry shows when we last checked it.

Where are you?

Crisis lines

In danger now: 911 in the US, 999 in the UK.

Housing & shelter

Also listed here

Food

Also listed here

Money & bills

  • CareerOneStop

    This U.S. Department of Labor site helps you find a job, get free training, fix up your resume, and locate the job center nearest you.

    Call 1-877-872-5627

    Nationwide (U.S.) · Website any time; help line in business hours

  • Child Care Aware of America

    • Parents

    This national nonprofit helps families find child care nearby and understand ways to help pay for it, connecting you to your local referral agency.

    Call 1-800-424-2246

    Nationwide (U.S.) · Roughly Mon–Fri, 8am–7pm ET

  • Default Resolution Group (U.S. Department of Education)

    The Default Resolution Group is the loan servicer for defaulted federal student loans held by the U.S. Department of Education. You can call it to be directed to your loan holder, to set up a payment arrangement or automatic monthly payments from your bank, or to file a dispute if you think your loan was put in default by mistake. It helps for free.

    Call 1-800-621-3115

    Nationwide (U.S.) · Monday 8am to 9pm ET; Tuesday and Wednesday 8am to 8pm ET; Thursday and Friday 8am to 6pm ET; closed Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays

  • Dollar For

    They help you apply for a hospital's charity care program so a big medical bill can be lowered or wiped away, and they do the paperwork with you.

    Open dollarfor.org ↗

    Nationwide (U.S.) · Online form any time; team follows up on weekdays

  • Farm Aid Hotline

    If you farm and things are falling apart, from money trouble to a disaster, you can call and talk with someone who helps you find services and resources that fit your situation.

    Call 1-800-327-6243

    Nationwide (U.S.)

  • Identity Theft Resource Center

    A non-profit that helps victims of identity theft, fraud and scams, free of charge. You can talk one-on-one with an advisor by phone or text, or chat with an advisor on the website.

    Call 888-400-5530Text 888-400-5530

    Nationwide (U.S.) · 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time (its normal business hours; days not stated)

  • IdentityTheft.gov

    If someone used your information, you can tell them what happened and get a personal recovery plan with the steps to take. The site also has sample letters and contact details for the credit bureaus.

    Open identitytheft.gov ↗

    Nationwide (U.S.) · Online

  • IRS Free Tax Help (VITA and TCE)

    • Older adults

    Trained volunteers prepare basic tax returns for free for people who qualify. Their page says TCE is aimed mainly at people 60 and older.

    Call 800-906-9887

    Nationwide (U.S.) · Site hours vary; the locator is updated regularly from February through April

  • IRS identity theft line

    A phone line to verify your identity and your tax return status, listed on the IRS identity theft guide. The Social Security Administration also points people to it if they believe someone is using their Social Security number to work, get their tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes.

    Call 1-800-908-4490

    Nationwide (U.S.)

  • National Elder Fraud Hotline

    • Older adults

    If someone age 60 or older has been targeted by a scam, this free U.S. Justice Department line helps them report it and figure out what to do next.

    Call 1-833-372-8311

    Nationwide (U.S.) · Mon–Fri, 10am–6pm ET

  • NeedyMeds

    They keep a free, up-to-date list of programs that help you pay for medicine and health care, and a helpline for questions about using it.

    Call 1-800-503-6897

    Nationwide (U.S.)

  • No Surprises Help Desk (CMS)

    The federal help desk for surprise medical bills. They answer questions about the No Surprises Act, tell you whether it covers your bill, and help you file a complaint against a provider or facility.

    Call 1-800-985-3059

    Nationwide (U.S.) · Weekdays 8am to 8pm ET; weekends 10am to 6pm ET

  • PensionHelp America

    • Older adults

    If you are having trouble with a pension or retirement benefit, this free service points you to counselors, legal help, and government offices that can help.

    Call 1-888-420-6550

    Nationwide (U.S.) · Online referral tool any time

  • Social Security Administration

    • Older adults

    You can call to ask about retirement, disability and other Social Security benefits, or to get things like a replacement card or a benefit letter. Many of these can also be done on their website.

    Call 1-800-772-1213

    Nationwide (U.S.) · 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday; automated phone services 24 hours a day

  • Taxpayer Advocate Service (IRS)

    A free, independent office inside the IRS that can help if you have not been able to fix a tax problem with the IRS, or if the problem is causing you financial hardship.

    Call 1-877-777-4778

    Nationwide (U.S.) · Call for current hours; a return call can take up to two weeks

  • Ticket to Work (Social Security)

    This free Social Security program helps people on disability benefits try going back to work, with job support and clear answers about what happens to your checks.

    Call 1-866-968-7842

    Nationwide (U.S.) · Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm ET

  • USAGov

    If you don't know which government office handles your problem, you can call and talk with a live agent. They answer your question or point you to the agency that can.

    Call 1-844-872-4681

    Nationwide (U.S.) · Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern Time (except federal holidays)

  • VA Benefits Hotline

    • Veterans

    You can ask the VA about your benefits, claims, and what you may be eligible for as a veteran or family member.

    Call 1-800-827-1000

    Nationwide (U.S.) · Mon–Fri, 8am–9pm ET

Also listed here

Health

Also listed here

Local services

Also listed here

Community

  • Military OneSource

    Service members and military families can call or use secure chat for answers and support, from money questions to relationships. They also offer coaching and counseling.

    Call 800-342-9647

    Nationwide (U.S.) · 24/7/365

  • Parent Center Hub (find your Parent Training and Information Center)

    • Parents

    A state-by-state list of Parent Training and Information Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers, which work with families of infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities, birth to 26, helping parents take part effectively in their children's education and development. Click your state, or choose it from the drop-down menu, to find your Parent Center.

    Open parentcenterhub.org ↗

    Nationwide (U.S.)

  • The Compassionate Friends

    • Parents

    Support for families after a child of any age has died, from any cause, given by others who have lost a child too.

    Call 1-877-969-0010

    Nationwide (U.S.) · National office weekdays; online groups have set times

Also listed here

Work

Also listed here

In the UK

Services for people in the UK. Where a service says it covers only part of the UK, the card names that part; check their site if you are not sure.

Crisis lines

In danger now: 911 in the US, 999 in the UK.

  • Samaritans

    You can talk to a trained volunteer who listens without judging or telling you what to do. You can call about whatever you are going through.

    Call 116 123

    UK-wide · Any time, day or night, every day of the year

  • Shout

    You can text with a trained volunteer about anything weighing on you, from stress and loneliness to self-harm or suicidal thoughts. You only share what you feel comfortable sharing.

    Text SHOUT to 85258

    UK-wide · 24/7

  • Police: 999 or 101

    Call 999 if a child is missing, or someone may be at risk of harm or in immediate danger. Call 101 to report a missing person when it is not an emergency, or to give the police new information.

    Call 101

    UK-wide · 999 and 101 at any hour

  • Live Fear Free Helpline

    • Abuse survivors

    If you or someone you know has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, you can get free advice and support or talk through your options. Practitioners can ask for professional advice too.

    Call 0808 80 10 800Text 07860077333

    Wales · 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • Men's Advice Line

    • Abuse survivors

    If you are a man, including a trans or non-binary person, who is or was a victim of domestic abuse, you can talk it over with an adviser. Friends, family and frontline workers supporting a man can call too. It is a helpline and webchat.

    Call 0808 8010327

    UK-wide · Phone Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm. Webchat Monday to Friday, 9am to 10am.

  • Childline

    • Teens & youth

    If you are under 19, you can talk to a counsellor about anything, big or small. You can call, or use the online 1-2-1 chat.

    Call 0800 1111

    UK-wide · 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • Breathing Space

    If you are in Scotland, aged 16 or over, and feeling low, anxious or depressed, you can call to talk it through. There is also a webchat during the same hours.

    Call 0800 83 85 87

    Scotland · Monday to Thursday 6pm to 2am. Friday 6pm until Monday 6am.

  • CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)

    You can talk to a trained helpline team if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, have lost someone to suicide, or are worried about someone else. You can call, use live chat, or message on WhatsApp.

    Call 0800 58 58 58

    UK-wide · 5pm to midnight, every day

  • The Mix

    • Teens & youth

    If you are 25 or under, you can text for urgent mental health support. If you are under 25, you can also talk one-to-one with a trained peer supporter, join a group, or get one-to-one counselling. Their site also has a chatbot that works 24/7.

    Text THEMIX to 85258

    UK-wide

  • Galop LGBT+ Abuse and Violence Helpline

    • LGBTQ+
    • Abuse survivors

    If you are LGBT+ and facing domestic abuse, sexual violence, conversion practices or any other kind of abuse, you can talk to an adviser for emotional support and to look at your options.

    Call 0800 999 5428

    UK-wide · Monday and Tuesday 9:15am to 8pm. Wednesday to Friday 9:15am to 4:30pm. Closed 1pm to 2pm each day and at weekends.

  • Combat Stress

    • Veterans

    If you are a veteran dealing with the effects of service-related trauma, you can call or text their helpline at any time. They also support family and friends who are worried about a veteran.

    Call 0800 138 1619Text 07537 173683

    · 24/7

  • Action Against Stalking

    • Abuse survivors

    If you are being stalked, you can leave a message on the freephone line or email the charity, and its team will get back to you. They offer support, advice and information, and if you choose to report to the police they can help you through the criminal justice system and may be able to advocate for you.

    Call 0800 820 2427

    UK-wide · Voicemail only. Leave a message and our team will get back to you.

  • Brake (National Road Victim Service)

    If someone you love has been killed or injured in a road crash, or you were bereaved or injured yourself, you can talk to Brake's free service about what happened and what support you need. They help with practical challenges, the unfamiliar procedures that follow a road crash, worries about money or a court case, and how to find legal support.

    Call 0808 8000 401

    UK-wide · Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, excluding bank holidays

  • CEOP Safety Centre

    • Teens & youth

    If you are worried about online sexual abuse, or about the way someone has been communicating with you online, you can make a report to one of CEOP's Child Protection Advisors.

    Open ceop.police.uk ↗

    UK-wide · Online

  • Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: help for British nationals abroad

    The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and UK embassies, high commissions and consulates help British nationals in difficulty abroad, for example if they have lost their passport, been a victim of crime, been taken to hospital or been arrested. You can call the FCDO in London on +44 (0)20 7008 5000 and choose the option 'Consular services for British nationals', or call the nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. You can also send your query online.

    Call +44 20 7008 5000

    · 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • Missing People

    • Parents
    • Teens & youth

    If someone you love is missing, or you are away from home or thinking of leaving, you can call or text for free support. Once the police have a report, they can launch an appeal and help you with the media.

    Call 116 000Text 116 000

    UK-wide · Calls 10am to 5pm; texts 10am to 10pm; online chat 5:30pm to 10pm; every day. It can close at short notice.

  • National Stalking Helpline (Suzy Lamplugh Trust)

    • Abuse survivors

    If you are being stalked, or you are worried about someone who is, you can call this free advice line. Advisers give practical information, support and advice on risk, safety planning and the law. You may also be considered for an advocate, who works with you, for example to speak for you with the police, social services, housing or your employer.

    Call 0808 802 0300

    · Monday and Wednesday, 9:30am to 8pm. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:30am to 4pm.

  • NHS 111 (England)

    If you need medical help right now and it is not a life-threatening emergency, 111 can tell you where to get help. You can answer questions online or call. For urgent mental health help, call 111 and select the mental health option; family and friends worried about someone can use it too.

    Call 111

    England · 24 hours a day

  • NHS 111 Wales

    If you feel unwell but it is not a medical emergency, you can call 111 or use the online symptom checkers. You will be given healthcare advice or directed to the local service that can help you best. For urgent mental health help, or if you are worried about a family member, call 111 and select option 2 to speak with a mental health worker in your area.

    Call 111

    Wales · 24 hours a day

  • NHS 24 (111 in Scotland)

    If you need urgent care when your GP, pharmacy or dental practice is closed, or you think you need A&E but it is not life or limb threatening, you can phone 111. It can also help if you are in mental health distress.

    Call 111

    Scotland · 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • Police: report stalking or harassment (999 or 101)

    • Abuse survivors

    Call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger. If it is not an emergency, call 101, or report stalking or harassment online, to the police in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Police Scotland also takes reports in person. GOV.UK says you have a right to feel safe in your home and workplace.

    Call 101

    UK-wide · 101 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • Rape Crisis Scotland Helpline

    • Abuse survivors
    • Teens & youth

    If you have been affected by sexual violence, whatever happened and however long ago, you can get crisis support from a helpline worker by phone, text, email or webchat. You do not have to talk about anything you do not want to. Family, friends and supporters can use it too.

    Call 08088 01 03 02Text 07537 410 027

    Scotland · Every day, 5pm to midnight

  • Revenge Porn Helpline

    • Abuse survivors

    If you have been a victim of intimate image abuse, a Helpline practitioner can give you advice and support, by phone or by email. If you want help with reports of users, you can send a screenshot or direct link to their profile.

    Call 0345 6000 459

    UK-wide · Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, excluding bank holidays

  • SANEline

    If you need to talk about your mental health, you can call SANEline in the evening. It is run by SANE, an independent mental health charity.

    Call 0300 304 7000

    · 4pm to 10pm, 365 days a year

  • StopNCII.org

    • Abuse survivors

    If someone has shared, or is threatening to share, intimate images of you from when you were 18 or older, you can use this free tool to help stop them being shared online. It makes a digital fingerprint of your images on your own device and shares only that with participating companies.

    Open stopncii.org ↗

    Online · Online

  • The Cyber Helpline

    • Abuse survivors

    If you are being stalked, harassed or hacked online, you can answer questions in a chatbot (software, not a person), get step-by-step guides, and if needed be connected with a vetted volunteer cybersecurity professional for one-to-one guidance and support.

    Open thecyberhelpline.com ↗

    · Online. The self-help service is open 24 hours a day. No hours are stated for one-to-one help from a volunteer.

  • Victim Support (Supportline)

    • Abuse survivors

    If you have been affected by crime, you can talk to trained staff who explain your rights and options and the further support available. You can also use the live chat.

    Call 08 08 16 89 111

    England and Wales · 24/7, every day of the year

  • Victim Support NI

    • Abuse survivors

    If you have been affected by crime in Northern Ireland, you can call a hub to make an appointment for free support, whether or not you reported the crime and however long ago it happened. Staff and volunteers give emotional and practical help, and can help with forms such as a criminal injury compensation claim.

    Call 028 9024 3133

    Northern Ireland · Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

  • Victim Support Scotland (helpline)

    • Abuse survivors

    If you have been affected by crime in Scotland, you can call or chat with the free support helpline. Support is available locally across Scotland.

    Call 0800 160 1985

    Scotland · 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday

Housing & shelter

  • Advice Direct Scotland (advice.scot)

    You can get free, practical advice and information on benefits, employment, housing, neighbourhood disputes and family matters. The same organisation runs services for debt, consumer, energy and postal advice.

    Call 0808 800 9060

    Scotland · Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

  • Citizens Advice (Adviceline, England)

    You can get advice on problems with debt, benefits, housing, work and more. The national phone line connects you to a local Citizens Advice, and there is online chat too.

    Call 0800 144 8848

    England · Usually 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Not available on public holidays.

  • Deposit Protection Service

    If your deposit is protected with the Deposit Protection Service, you can phone, email or use live chat. If it holds your deposit (a custodial scheme), you can start the repayment process yourself in your online account. If you cannot agree about deductions, its Dispute Resolution Service is free and means you do not have to go to court.

    Call 0330 303 0030

    England and Wales · Monday to Friday, 8am to 6.30pm

  • Find your local council (GOV.UK)

    Enter your postcode to find your local council's website, then look for the team you need: housing or homelessness if you have nowhere safe to stay; children's services if you are 16 or 17 and have to leave home; environmental health or private housing to report an unsafe rented home; adult social services (social work in Scotland) to ask for a care needs assessment or a carer's assessment; or council tax to ask for a payment plan or Council Tax Reduction.

    Open gov.uk ↗

    · Website, any time

  • Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (legal aid)

    If someone is trying to take your home back, you can get free government-funded legal advice from the moment you receive a written notice. If you are asked to go to a court hearing, an adviser can also give free advice and represent you at the court.

    Open gov.uk ↗

    England and Wales

  • Housing Ombudsman Service

    A free, independent service set up by law. If you rent or own a share of a home from a council, housing association or other social landlord in England, and the landlord has not put a problem right, you can complain to the Ombudsman. It looks at things like repairs, property condition, charges and antisocial behaviour.

    Call 0300 111 3000

    England · Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am to 5pm. Thursday, 9am to 3.30pm.

  • Housing Rights (Northern Ireland)

    You can get advice and information about housing, including eviction, repairs and bad housing, mortgage problems, and help to pay housing costs. The helpline is a way to ask an adviser directly.

    Call 028 9024 5640

    Northern Ireland · 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday

  • Law Centres Network (find a law centre)

    The national network of law centres, which are free local charities with lawyers who give legal advice and, if you need it, can represent you. Its own examples are problems with a landlord, at work or with benefits. The network does not give advice itself: its list and map show where your nearest law centre is, so you can contact it.

    Open lawcentres.org.uk ↗

    England, Wales and Northern Ireland

  • Letting Protection Service Scotland

    If your deposit is protected with the Letting Protection Service Scotland, its Help page has a virtual agent called Shona that answers questions about its service, quick links to check that your deposit has been protected and to request a new 'Repayment ID', and a dedicated help line.

    Call 0330 303 0031

    Scotland

  • mydeposits

    If your deposit is protected with mydeposits, your reference starts DPN or EWC if mydeposits holds the deposit (a custodial scheme) and DPC if your landlord holds it (an insured scheme). With a custodial deposit, you or your landlord or agent can start the release at the end of the tenancy in your online account. If you cannot agree how much to return, you can use its free resolution service.

    Call 0333 321 9401

    England and Wales · Phone: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Live chat: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm

  • mydeposits Northern Ireland

    If your deposit is protected with mydeposits Northern Ireland and you cannot agree with your landlord how much should be returned, you can raise a dispute through its free dispute resolution mechanism (DRM) service.

    Call 0333 321 9403

    Northern Ireland · Phone: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm on its support page (its dispute page gives 8am to 7pm for the call to tell it about an insured dispute). Live chat: Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm

  • mydeposits Scotland

    If your deposit is protected with mydeposits Scotland, you can answer a release request from your landlord or agent, or start the release yourself, in your online account. If you disagree about how much to return, you can raise a dispute through its free alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service.

    Call 0333 321 9402

    Scotland · Phone: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm. Live chat: Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm

  • Northern Ireland Housing Executive (homelessness)

    If you are homeless, or want to talk to someone about rehousing, in Northern Ireland, you can call the Housing Executive's Homelessness Line to speak to a Housing Advisor in your local office. They interview you, assess your situation and talk through your housing options. They might need to offer you somewhere to stay.

    Call 03448 920 908

    Northern Ireland · Homelessness line in normal working hours, plus an emergency out-of-hours service after 5pm, at weekends and on bank holidays

  • SafeDeposits Scotland

    If your deposit is protected with SafeDeposits Scotland, its help centre for tenants has pages on returning your deposit and on deposit disputes. You can phone it, or send it an enquiry that one of its specialists will answer.

    Call 03333 213 136

    Scotland · Monday to Friday, 8am to 10pm, except bank holidays

  • Shelter Cymru

    If you have nowhere to sleep or might be homeless soon, you can talk to an expert housing adviser on the urgent helpline. You can also chat online or find an advice centre.

    Call 08000 495 495

    Wales · Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm

  • Shelter England

    If you are homeless, have nowhere to stay tonight, are at risk of harm at home, or are worried about losing your home, you can get housing advice from an adviser.

    Call 0808 800 4444

    England · Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Closed weekends and bank holidays.

  • Shelter Scotland

    If you are homeless or about to become homeless, or someone in your home is vulnerable or at risk of harm, you can get urgent housing advice by phone.

    Call 0808 800 4444

    Scotland · Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Closed on bank holidays.

  • Tenancy Deposit Scheme

    If your deposit is protected with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), its help centre has sections on returning your deposit and on deposit disputes, and its page on raising a dispute explains how to send one online for a deposit your landlord or agent holds (an insured scheme). Where TDS holds the deposit (a custodial scheme), your reference looks like EW1234567. Where your landlord or agent holds it, it looks like uh7sbj8gk.

    Call 0300 037 1000

    England and Wales

  • Tenancy Deposit Scheme Northern Ireland

    If your deposit is protected with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme Northern Ireland, you can phone it or send it an enquiry online. Its online form has reasons for raising a dispute, asking for an update on a dispute you have already sent, or requesting a repayment if it holds your deposit (a custodial scheme).

    Call 0300 037 3700

    Northern Ireland · Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, except bank holidays

Also listed here

Food

  • Discretionary Assistance Fund (Wales)

    If you live in Wales and are in extreme financial hardship, you can apply online, or by post or phone, for an Emergency Assistance Payment: a grant that you do not pay back, towards essential costs such as food, gas, electricity or emergency travel.

    Call 0800 859 5924

    Wales · Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. Closed on bank holidays.

  • Finance Support Service (Northern Ireland)

    If you live in Northern Ireland and are in a financial crisis, you can apply online for Discretionary Support, a Short Term Benefit Advance or a Universal Credit New Claims Grant. You do not need to ring: someone will contact you.

    Call 0800 587 2750

    Northern Ireland · Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm

  • Healthy Start (NHS)

    • Parents

    If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to a Healthy Start card with money on it to buy healthy food and milk in some UK shops. Money is added to the card every 4 weeks.

    Call 0300 330 7010

    England, Wales and Northern Ireland · Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, except public holidays

  • Help through Hardship (Trussell and Citizens Advice)

    You can call a free, confidential helpline for advice and emergency support if you live in England or Wales. Advisers can check you are getting all the benefits you are eligible for, tell you about grants you could apply for, and help you get some emergency support if you cannot afford essentials.

    Call 0808 208 2138

    England and Wales · Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Closed on public holidays.

  • Scottish Welfare Fund: Crisis Grants (mygov.scot)

    You apply to your local council for a Crisis Grant: a one-off grant for an emergency, for example if you need help to get food or with heating costs, if there is a fire or flood at home, or if you face a gap in your income after a redundancy or a change at work. You do not need to pay it back.

    Open mygov.scot ↗

    Scotland · Website, any time. You apply to your local council.

Money & bills

  • Advice NI

    You can call the freephone advice helpline or email for advice, including on benefits, tax credits and debt. For face-to-face help, they point you to a local advice centre.

    Call 0800 915 4604

    Northern Ireland

  • Age UK Advice Line

    • Older adults

    If you are older, or you are looking after someone who is, you can call for information and advice. There are also specialist advisers at local Age UKs.

    Call 0800 678 1602

    England · 8am to 7pm, 365 days a year

  • Bereavement Service (Department for Communities, Northern Ireland)

    You can report the death of someone who was getting Social Security benefits, State Pension or Pension Credit. They record the date of death and tell each office that paid benefit. They also check if you can claim Bereavement Support Payment, a Funeral Expenses Payment or a Child Funeral Fund payment.

    Call 0800 085 2463

    Northern Ireland · Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Closed weekends and bank holidays.

  • Carers UK

    If you look after a friend or family member, you can get information and signposting from their telephone helpline, or ask a question by email.

    Call 0808 808 7777

    · Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm

  • Child Maintenance Service

    The Child Maintenance Service works out child maintenance, arranges payments and takes action if a parent does not pay. If you pay child maintenance and cannot pay in full and on time, or have missed a payment, GOV.UK says to contact it.

    Call 0800 171 2345

    Great Britain · Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

  • Civil Aviation Authority: air passenger complaints and ATOL

    If you have already made a written complaint to an airline or airport and you are not satisfied with the outcome, or have had no reply within 8 weeks, the CAA's Passenger Advice and Complaints Team (PACT) may be able to help. PACT handles complaints about delayed and cancelled flights, downgrading and denied boarding, assistance for disabled and reduced mobility passengers, and lost, delayed or damaged baggage. The CAA also runs ATOL: if you are abroad and your travel company has stopped trading as an ATOL holder, ATOL says information will be provided on its website, or you can call the number on your ATOL Certificate.

    Call 0330 022 1916

    UK-wide · Wednesday and Friday, 10am to 2pm

  • Consumer Council for Northern Ireland

    This is the statutory consumer body for Northern Ireland. They give advice and information, investigate and resolve complaints, and speak up on your behalf. Their site covers electricity, oil and gas, water and postal services.

    Call 0800 121 6022

    Northern Ireland · Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Closed at the weekend and on public holidays.

  • Consumer Council for Water (CCW)

    CCW is the independent voice for water consumers in England and Wales. They help households and businesses resolve complaints against a water company or retailer, and give free advice and support.

    Call 0300 034 2222

    England and Wales · 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

  • Consumerline (Northern Ireland)

    If you live in Northern Ireland, you can use this service to make a complaint against a trader, report a fraud or ask about your consumer rights. An adviser gives you clear and practical advice.

    Call 0300 123 6262

    Northern Ireland · 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm Friday. Closed on bank and public holidays.

  • Debt Management (Department for Communities, Northern Ireland)

    In Northern Ireland, Debt Management recovers overpaid benefits, and this line takes enquiries about recovery of overpaid benefits, including Direct Earnings Attachments. If you are having difficulty repaying, it says to call as soon as possible to talk about your repayment plan.

    Call 0800 587 1322

    Northern Ireland · Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm

  • DWP Debt Management (benefit overpayments)

    If you have been overpaid a DWP benefit, you can call to talk through your repayment options, including what you can afford to pay. If DWP is taking money from your pay (a Direct Earnings Attachment), DWP's guidance for employers says an employee should use the number at the top of its letter.

    Call 0800 916 0647

    Great Britain · Monday to Friday, 8am to 7:30pm

  • Energy Ombudsman

    A free, impartial service for energy disputes. If your energy supplier has not put a problem right, you can ask the Energy Ombudsman to look at it. It can tell the supplier to take practical action, such as crediting your account, to apologise, or to pay you money. It cannot fine the supplier.

    Call 0330 440 1624

    Great Britain · Phone lines: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Closed on weekends and bank holidays.

  • Enforcement of Judgments Office (Northern Ireland)

    The Enforcement of Judgments Office is a Northern Ireland court office that enforces civil judgments for the recovery of money, goods and property. One of its orders, an attachment of debt order (also called a garnishee order), gives the Office the power to freeze a debtor's bank account. An attachment of earnings order deducts a regular sum from a debtor's salary and sets a protected earnings rate, an amount the debtor keeps for living costs.

    Call 0300 200 7812

    Northern Ireland · Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

  • Financial Ombudsman Service

    A free service set up by Parliament. If you could not sort out a complaint with a bank, insurer, lender or other financial business, you can ask it to look into it. It covers things like bank accounts, credit cards, loans, insurance, pensions, savings and investments.

    Call 0800 023 4567

    · Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

  • Funeral Expenses Payment (GOV.UK)

    If you are arranging a funeral and cannot afford it, you could get a payment to help if you or your partner get certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-related ESA or Housing Benefit. The GOV.UK page explains who qualifies and how to claim.

    Open gov.uk ↗

    England and Wales

  • HMRC: missed Self Assessment payment

    HMRC's line if you have missed a Self Assessment payment, to talk about a payment plan (Time to Pay). Simple Assessment, VAT and employer PAYE have their own numbers on the same page.

    Call 0300 200 3820

    UK-wide · Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Closed bank holidays.

  • Independent Age Helpline

    • Older adults

    If you are older, or caring for someone who is, you can call the free and impartial helpline for information and advice on money, health, care and housing. They can also send you free guides.

    Call 0800 319 6789

    · Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm

  • Law Centre NI (benefits, work and immigration advice)

    • Immigrants

    A Northern Ireland charity that gives free, independent legal advice, casework and representation on three subjects only: social security (benefits), employment and immigration. It can represent people at tribunals and courts in the cases it takes on. It cannot help with any other area of law.

    Call 028 9024 4401

    Northern Ireland · One advice line, with different hours by subject. Benefits (social security): Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:30am to 1pm. Work (employment): Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 11am. Immigration: Monday and Wednesday, 10am to 12 noon.

  • MoneyHelper

    You can get free, impartial guidance on money, from everyday budgeting and money troubles to pensions. You can phone, webchat or use WhatsApp.

    Call 0800 011 3797

    · Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

  • National Debtline

    You can talk to a debt adviser by phone or webchat, or work through tailored advice online, to deal with what you owe.

    Call 0808 808 4000

    · Phone: 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 1pm Saturday. Online tool My Money Steps: 24/7.

  • Northern Ireland Redundancy Payments Service

    If your employer in Northern Ireland has become formally insolvent and your job has ended, you can claim redundancy pay and other money owed, such as unpaid wages, holiday pay and notice pay, up to legal limits. Claims are made online. Staff can answer questions about your claim.

    Call 028 9025 7562

    Northern Ireland

  • Redundancy Payments Service (Insolvency Service, GOV.UK)

    If your employer is insolvent and has dismissed you, you can claim redundancy pay and other money your employer owes you, such as unpaid wages, holiday pay and commission, up to legal limits. You apply online. The Service helps if you have questions about completing the online forms. Loss of notice pay is a separate claim that comes after the redundancy claim.

    Call 0330 331 0020

    · Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm. Friday, 9am to 3pm.

  • Report Fraud

    If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and have been caught out by fraud or cyber crime, you can report it here and get help with the next steps and support.

    Call 0300 123 2040

    England, Wales and Northern Ireland · Phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (reduced availability 8pm to 8am). Webchat 8am to 8pm, every day.

  • Scope Disability Helpline

    If you are disabled, or support someone who is, you can get free, independent and impartial advice and support on the issues that matter to you. You can call, email, or use a textphone or British Sign Language video call.

    Call 0808 800 3333

    England and Wales · Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Open most bank holidays.

  • Social Security Scotland

    Social Security Scotland pays Scottish benefits such as Adult Disability Payment, Child Disability Payment, Carer Support Payment, Best Start Grant and Funeral Support Payment. You can call free to apply, to ask about an application, or to challenge a decision.

    Call 0800 182 2222

    Scotland · Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, except bank holidays

  • StepChange Debt Charity

    You can get free, confidential debt advice and a plan for dealing with what you owe. You tell them about your situation and they suggest the options that fit.

    Call 0800 138 1111

    UK-wide · Phone: Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm. Online advice any time.

  • TaxAid

    A charity that gives free, expert help with tax problems, such as Self Assessment and unexpected tax bills, to people who cannot pay for advice. It now includes Tax Help for Older People.

    Call 0345 120 3779

    UK-wide · Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

  • Turn2us

    You can use free online tools to check which benefits you could claim and to search for charitable grants. There is also a helper for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applications.

    Open turn2us.org.uk ↗

  • Veterans UK Helpline

    • Veterans

    If you are a veteran or a family member, you can call for free support from the Ministry of Defence's Veterans UK. It covers Veterans Services, Defence Transition Services and injury or bereavement compensation scheme payments.

    Call 0808 191 4218

    UK-wide · 8.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday

Also listed here

Health

  • Cruse Bereavement Support

    If someone you love has died, you can talk to a trained volunteer who can help you make sense of how you are feeling. It does not matter how long ago the death was.

    Call 0808 808 1677

    UK-wide · Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30am to 5pm. Tuesday 1pm to 8pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

  • FRANK

    You can get friendly advice about drugs, by phone, text, email or live chat. You can ask for yourself or because you are worried about someone.

    Call 0300 123 6600Text 82111

    · Phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Live chat 2pm to 6pm, 7 days a week.

  • GP out of hours service (Northern Ireland)

    If you need urgent medical care when your GP surgery is closed, you can phone the out of hours service for your area first. The doctor or nurse will assess you, give you advice by telephone, decide if you need to see a doctor or refer you to another service.

    Open nidirect.gov.uk ↗

    Northern Ireland · 6.00pm on weekdays until your GP surgery opens the next morning; 24 hours on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays

  • Health and Social Care Trusts (Northern Ireland)

    In Northern Ireland the Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts give health and social care services locally, in hospitals and in the community. nidirect says an assessment of need with the social services department of your local Trust is often the first step to getting help, such as home care or a residential or nursing home place, and that a carer who gives regular and significant care to someone aged 18 or over has the right to an assessment of their own needs.

    Open nidirect.gov.uk ↗

    Northern Ireland

  • Hub of Hope

    You can search a directory of mental health support services across the UK to find help near you or nationally. It has separate routes for young people aged 25 and under, adults, and urgent help.

    Open hubofhope.co.uk ↗

    UK-wide · Always online

  • Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (England)

    A free, independent ombudsman for complaints about councils and adult social care providers in England. It can look at most council services, and at all adult social care complaints, including care arranged and paid for privately without the council being involved, such as support in your home or living in a care home. On council tax it can look at how the council dealt with you, for example recovery action while you kept to an agreed plan, or how bailiffs acting for the council behaved. You complain online, by phone or by post.

    Call 0300 061 0614

    England · Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10am to 1pm; Wednesday, 1pm to 4pm

  • Mind Infoline

    You can ask about mental health problems, where to get help near you, treatment options and advocacy services. They give information and point you to support.

    Call 0300 123 3393

    England and Wales · 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays)

  • Patient Advice and Support Service (PASS), Scotland

    Its trained advisers support anyone who uses NHS Scotland to understand their rights and responsibilities as a patient, raise concerns, give feedback, or make a complaint. They can help you write letters and make phone calls. You can also use its contact form.

    Call 0800 917 2127

    Scotland · Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

  • Patient and Client Council (Northern Ireland)

    If you have a concern about the health or social care you, or someone you care for, received, the PCC gives free support and advice. It offers a free independent advocacy service, including help with the Health and Social Care complaints process and with submissions to the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.

    Call 0800 917 0222

    Northern Ireland · Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, excluding bank holidays

  • Public Services Ombudsman for Wales

    If you have complained to a public service in Wales, such as your local council or an NHS health board, and are still unhappy, you can ask the Ombudsman to look at your complaint. You can complain online, on a printed form by post, or by phone.

    Call 0300 790 0203

    Wales · Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm

  • SAMH Information Service

    You can ask the Information Service about support, or just talk about mental health, by using the contact form or emailing the team. SAMH also runs The Nook, a walk-in mental health hub in Glasgow with no appointment or referral needed.

    Open samh.org.uk ↗

    Scotland · Information Service 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (except Scottish bank holidays)

  • Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO)

    The SPSO is the final stage for complaints about most public services in Scotland, including councils and the NHS. If you have already complained to the organisation and are still unhappy, you can escalate your complaint to the SPSO. Its site has a page to make a complaint, and its freephone line gives advice on how to complain.

    Call 0800 377 7330

    Scotland · Phone: Tuesday 1pm to 5pm, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 1pm. Closed Monday and Thursday.

  • YoungMinds Parents Helpline

    • Parents

    If you are worried about a child or young person's mental health, you can email a trained adviser at parents@youngminds.org.uk. They can offer emotional support and point you to other services.

    Open youngminds.org.uk ↗

    UK-wide · Email only for now: replies within 3 to 5 working days

Also listed here

Local services

  • Education Authority SEN helpdesk (Northern Ireland)

    • Parents

    The Education Authority's special educational needs helpdesk. Press 2 to speak to an operator who can give general advice and guidance about special educational needs, or transfer you to one of its specialist teams. Press 1 for a specific query about a child who is undergoing statutory assessment or already has a statement of special educational needs.

    Call 028 9031 7777

    Northern Ireland · Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm

Also listed here

Community

  • Children First Support Line

    • Parents

    If you are a parent or carer in Scotland, you can call or start a webchat if you are struggling, feel overwhelmed, or just need to hear a friendly voice. They also run the Kinship Care Advice Service for Scotland through this line.

    Call 08000 28 22 33

    Scotland · Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm. Weekends 9am to noon.

  • Coram Family Lives

    • Parents

    If you are a parent or carer, you can call for emotional support, information and advice on any aspect of parenting and family life. They listen and let you take the conversation where you want it to go.

    Call 0808 800 2222

    England and Wales · Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm. Weekends 10am to 3pm.

  • Coram Kidscape Parent Advice Line (bullying)

    • Parents

    If your child is being bullied, or may be bullying others, you can talk to a Parent Support Adviser for friendly, impartial, non-judgemental advice. They give guidance on a school's responsibilities, how to talk to your child's school, and how to support your child, and they point you to other organisations that can help.

    Call 0300 102 4481

    England and Wales · Monday and Tuesday, 9.30am to 2.30pm. At other times, leave a message or email.

  • Family Action FamilyLine

    • Parents

    You can get free emotional support, information and guidance on family relationships, conflict, parenting, caring and financial worries. You can call, text, email or use web chat.

    Call 0808 802 6666Text 07537 404 282

    · Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (closed on bank holidays)

  • Meic (helpline for children and young people in Wales)

    • Teens & youth

    Free information, advice and advocacy for children and young people aged 25 and under in Wales. You can talk about things like bullying at school and what to do about it. If you want, an adviser can contact people for you using your exact words, or join a three-way call, so you do not have to explain it all yourself.

    Call 0808 80 23456Text 07943 114 449

    Wales · 8am to midnight, 7 days a week.

  • NSPCC Helpline

    • Parents

    If you are an adult worried about a child, you can talk it over with their specialist team, who will listen, advise and take any action needed. It is never too soon to talk to them.

    Call 0808 800 5000

    · 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday

Also listed here

Work

  • Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

    The workplace health and safety regulator for England, Scotland and Wales. You can report a health and safety issue at a workplace online; if you cannot do it online, they will fill in the form for you by phone.

    Call 0300 003 1647

    Great Britain · Monday and Tuesday 8:30am to 5pm; Wednesday 10am to 5pm; Thursday and Friday 8:30am to 5pm

Also listed here

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