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Other financial help

Budgeting Spreadsheets

This section contains two spreadsheets, each designed to support different stages of managing money.

You can use just one, or all three together, depending on what feels most helpful right now.

There is no right or wrong way to use these sheets.

1. Basic Money Plan

The Basic Money Plan helps you:

  • write down where your money comes from
  • list your regular bills and costs
  • see clearly whether you have enough money each month

It is designed to be:

  • simple
  • clear
  • easy to complete at your own pace

This sheet is often a good starting point, especially if money feels overwhelming.

Basic Money Plan Spreadsheet

2. Advanced Budget

The Advanced Budget gives a more detailed view of your money.

It helps you:

  • track spending over time
  • see patterns month to month
  • understand what money is left after regular costs

This sheet can be useful if you want more insight into where your money goes, or if you are preparing to talk to an adviser.

Advance Budget spreadsheet

A final reassurance

This tool is here to:

  • help you understand your money
  • support conversations about next steps
  • make things clearer, not harder

Everyone’s situation is different.

There is no right or wrong outcome from using this plan.

Support is available whenever you need it.

Other financial help

Carers UK produce a guide named Looking after someone, which includes an overview of the benefits you or the person you care for may be entitled to, as well as details of other financial help such as help with council tax, fuel costs, pensions and health costs.

You can use an online benefits calculator to find out what benefits you may be entitled to and how to claim for them. You’ll need information about your income, outgoings, savings and any benefits you currently receive. You can also check that the person you are caring for is receiving everything they are entitled to.

If you pay council tax and are on a low income you can apply for council tax relief. You will need to do this through your local city or district council.

Carersmart.org is a club from Carers Trust which gives you and the person you care for access to benefits, discounts and exclusive special offers. They are currently offering cashback on shopping, better rates from energy providers, and discounts on insurance, holidays and activities.

Benefits Calculators

For information on income-related benefits, contribution-based benefits, Universal Credit, Council Tax Reduction and Carer’s Allowance use:

You can also check with a local benefits adviser to find out what you could be entitled to.

What you’ll need

You’ll need accurate information about your:

  • savings
  • income, including your partner’s (from payslips, for example)
  • existing benefits and pensions (including anyone living with you)
  • outgoings (such as rent, mortgage, childcare payments)
  • Council Tax bill

Who cannot use them

You cannot use the calculators if you’re under 18, and they will not give accurate results if you’re:

Help With Making a Benefit Claim

Citizens Advice – Help to Claim

Citizens Advice provides free, confidential and independent assistance with:

Contact Details

Telephone: 0800 144 8444

Website: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/ [QPR - Leisure - Q1 | Meeting]