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.
Good to know
It is a free phone service run by Trussell with Citizens Advice. The page says it can help you find out where to get a food voucher for emergency food. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, the page points you to other ways to get help. A British Sign Language interpreter is available through SignVideo, and Relay UK can help with the phone.
Before you call
They may ask
- some questions to understand your situation, so the adviser can give you advice that fits it
They can
- check you are getting all the benefits you are eligible for, and advise on extra benefits you might get
- tell you about grants you might be able to apply for
- help you get some emergency support if you cannot afford essentials
- help you find out where to get a food voucher for emergency food
- refer you to Mind's Infoline for mental wellbeing support
- take calls through a British Sign Language interpreter (SignVideo) or Relay UK
- help if you need an interpreter: ask the adviser
They cannot
- help if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland: the page sends you to other ways to get help
- answer outside Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or on public holidays
In the emergency guides: I have no money for food →
- Phone
- 0808 208 2138
- Website
- https://www.trussell.org.uk/help-and-advice/help-through-hardship-helpline
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Closed on public holidays.
- Coverage
- England and Wales
- Languages
- English
- Last checked
- October 10, 2026
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