Money & Debt Help
Money worries can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to sort everything out alone. Start with one small step and get free, trusted help with debt, bills, benefits and urgent costs.
Crofton Signpost provides information and signposting, not regulated financial or legal advice.No money for essentials?
Wakefield’s Crisis and Resilience Fund may help after a sudden loss of income or unexpected essential cost.
Check crisis supportNotice, court or bailiff action?
Do not ignore it. Keep the letter and speak to a free debt adviser as soon as possible, especially if your home or essential supply is at risk.
Call 0808 808 4000Feeling unable to cope?
Call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999. Samaritans listen free, day or night.
Samaritans: 116 123Four steps you can take today
You do not need perfect paperwork before asking for help. An adviser can help you work through the gaps.
Open and keep the letters
Put bills, notices, texts and emails in one place. Look for dates, court papers, eviction notices or warnings about gas or electricity.
Make a rough list
Write down money coming in, essential household costs, who you owe and any deadlines. Estimates are fine for a first conversation.
Protect essential bills
Some debts have more serious consequences than others. Get advice before using rent, Council Tax or energy money to pay a credit card or loan.
Speak to a free adviser
They can check benefits, explain your options and help you contact organisations you owe. You can choose phone, online or face-to-face help.
Help in Wakefield District
Start locally if you want help with Wakefield benefits, Council Tax, an urgent household cost or a face-to-face conversation.
Citizens Advice Wakefield District
Specialist advisers can help you understand debts, reduce outgoings, compare options, fill in forms, write letters and negotiate with organisations you owe.
0800 144 8848Prefer general advice or a drop-in? Call 0808 812 7134 or check the current outreach list.
Crisis and Resilience Fund
This Wakefield Council fund replaced the Household Support Fund in April 2026. It is for low-income residents facing a sudden financial shock, such as lost income or an unexpected essential expense.
- You must live in Wakefield District.
- Your income and accessible funds will be considered.
- You or a representative can apply.
Eligibility and the help offered depend on your circumstances.
Cash Wise
Free support with budgeting, bills, benefits and money worries for Wakefield residents. The team can help you look at your whole financial situation and take practical next steps.
01977 724651Council Tax Support
If you are on a low income, you may be able to get a discount through Wakefield Council Tax Support. If you are already behind, contact the council quickly rather than waiting for another letter.
0345 8 504 504Protect your information: when emailing any organisation, send only what it asks for through its secure process. Never email passwords, PINs, full card details or identity documents to Crofton Signpost.
Free debt advice, your way
These services are free. Choose the one that feels easiest: online, by phone or face to face where available.
StepChange
Free, impartial debt advice and personal action plans. Online advice is available 24/7.
0800 138 1111National Debtline
Free, impartial expert advice by phone or webchat, plus online tools and sample letters.
0808 808 4000CAP Debt Help
Christians Against Poverty offers free debt help through local centres. Enter your postcode to check whether home visits or a centre are available.
0800 328 0006MoneyHelper
A government-backed service with a locator for free and confidential debt advice online, by phone or near where you live.
Struggling with a household bill?
Contact the organisation early and say you are in financial difficulty. Ask what affordability, hardship or payment-plan support is available.
Rent or mortgage
If you could lose your home, contact Wakefield Housing Needs or Shelter now. Keep every notice and court letter.
01924 304360 Wakefield housing helpShelter: 0808 800 4444
Council Tax
Council Tax is a priority bill. Ask Wakefield Council about support, discounts and payment options as soon as you know you may miss a payment.
0345 8 504 504 See Council Tax helpGas or electricity
Contact your supplier. Ofgem says suppliers must work with you on an affordable payment plan and may offer more time, payment reductions or hardship support.
Read Ofgem’s energy-bill helpYorkshire Water
Yorkshire Water has bill-cap, payment-break and arrears schemes. Call to talk through which current option may fit your circumstances.
0345 1 299 299 See Yorkshire Water supportFood and essentials
If you cannot afford food or household essentials today, check Wakefield crisis support and local food projects.
Wakefield crisis supportCrofton food support
Several bills at once
Do not guess which creditor to pay first. A free adviser can build a full budget, identify priority debts and check whether a formal protection such as Breathing Space may be appropriate.
How to prioritise debtsCould you be missing out on income?
A benefits calculator can estimate what you may be entitled to and how a change in work, hours or household circumstances could affect you. Calculators are free and anonymous.
Wakefield BetterCare check GOV.UK calculator listStay safe when asking for help
Money worries can make urgent offers sound tempting. Pause and check before sharing information, borrowing more or signing an agreement.
Worried about a loan shark?
A lender may be illegal if there is no paperwork, the amount keeps growing, they take your bank card or valuables, or they threaten you.
Stop Loan Sharks offers confidential support and takes reports 24 hours a day.
0300 555 2222Before you agree or pay
- Do not share passwords, PINs or full card details.
- Do not move money to a so-called “safe account”.
- Do not be rushed into a loan or debt solution.
- Use a free adviser for a second opinion.
- Check regulated financial firms on the FCA Register.
You can ask for help sooner than you think
There is no minimum amount of debt and no need to wait until you miss another payment.
Do I need all my statements before I call?
No. Take what you have and explain what is missing. A rough list is enough to start, and the adviser can tell you what would be useful next.
Will a debt adviser judge me?
The services on this page describe their advice as free, confidential and non-judgemental. Debt advisers speak to people in many different circumstances every day.
Can someone help me speak to creditors?
Often, yes. Ask the adviser whether they can help write letters, make calls, negotiate or speak on your behalf. You may need to give permission first.
Should I take another loan to cover the bills?
Borrowing can make the situation harder, especially if it is used for food, rent or energy. Speak to a free debt adviser first so you can understand other support and the full cost and risks.
What is Breathing Space?
Breathing Space is a formal government scheme that can temporarily pause most creditor contact, interest, fees and enforcement while you receive debt advice. It is not automatic and does not cover everything, so ask a debt adviser whether it fits your situation.
One conversation can be the first step
If you are unsure where to begin, call Citizens Advice Wakefield District for free advice. Crofton Signpost can also help you find the right local organisation, but cannot promise appointments, grants or financial help.
Call 0808 812 7134 Email Crofton SignpostDetails checked 5 August 2026. Services, opening times and eligibility can change, so check before travelling.