Money worries or problems with benefits can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. If you’re unsure what you can claim, or something has gone wrong with your payments, there is support to help you work things out. You don’t have to face it on your own.
Check what you could claim
You might be entitled to benefits that can help with essentials like food, housing and bills.
Try these trusted tools to check what you could claim:
- Turn2us benefits calculator – check what you could claim and find grants that might help you.
- Entitledto calculator – get a quick estimate of your benefit entitlement.
- GOV.UK: A to Z of benefits – find clear information about different benefits.
If you live with a mental health condition, visit:
- Mind: Benefits and mental health – answers to common questions about benefits and how they relate to mental health.
- Mental Health and Money Advice – guides on filling in forms and claiming benefits if you have a mental health problem.
How to prepare when applying
Having the right information ready can make things easier. You may need:
- Your National Insurance number and bank details.
- Information about your income, rent or mortgage, and savings if you have them.
- Contact details for your GP or health professional.
- Details of any mental or physical health conditions.
If the process feels too complicated, or you’re finding it hard to cope, it can really help to speak to an independent advisor.
Sorting a problem with your benefits
If your benefits have been stopped, reduced or delayed, try not to panic – you’re not alone, and help is available.
You can:
- Contact Citizens Advice Leeds for free, confidential support about benefits and appeals.
- Find local money and benefits support in the MindWell Directory.
- Talk to your GP or social prescriber if money worries are affecting your wellbeing – they can help connect you to local support.
Extra support in Leeds
If you’re struggling with stress, housing, or other practical issues as well as benefit problems, Linking Leeds can help you find the right local support to improve your wellbeing.
You can refer yourself directly to Linking Leeds online.
You can also get free, impartial and confidential benefits advice through the Leeds Money Information Centre, managed by Leeds City Council. It lists local organisations that can:
- check your benefit entitlement
- help you make a claim
- support you with appeals and mandatory reconsiderations
- provide advice for disabled people through services like
If you ever feel overwhelmed or unsafe, visit our Need urgent help? page for immediate support.
Last updated: October 2025
Next review due: October 2026