Manchester City Council

Benefits and support Council support if you're in financial difficulty

If you are struggling with your finances there are a number of different ways we may be able to support you.

Cost of living advice line

Need help with your food, debts, bills, benefits or to get online?

Request Cost of Living Advice

Housing Payments

For residents who are entitled to Housing Benefit or the Housing Element of Universal Credit, discretionary payments may be available to help if you are struggling to pay your rent. Find out more and apply for Housing payments

Discretionary Council Tax payments

If you are experiencing severe financial hardship through unusual circumstances discretionary payments may be available to you if you are struggling to pay your Council Tax. Find out more and apply for Discretionary Council Tax payments.

Furniture/White Goods

You may be able to get help if:

  • you are being supported by a housing association, a charity or ourselves to move into a new home; or
  • you need help to continue living at home.

Get furniture and essential household items through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Fuel Grants

If you are at risk of going without heating or electricity, you may be able to get emergency support.

Get help with energy and heating costs through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Travel Grants

If you cannot afford to travel to start a new job, you may be able to get help to cover the cost. You must have been unemployed for six months before you apply.

Get help with travel costs to a new job through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Cash Grants

If you’ve had a sudden loss of income or an unexpected cost, you may be able to get a cash grant.

Get money for food and essential costs through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Free School Meals

Free school meals are available to all pupils in reception, year one and two. If you qualify for certain benefits you can get free school meals for your children all the way through school. Find out more an how to apply for free school meals