Worry about money keeps many people in a dangerous home. In the UK there is help to live on while you get back on your feet.
This is general information, not legal advice. Each service was checked against its own website on 7 November 2026. Rules change: read what the service itself says before you decide.
Who can help
Universal Credit help after abuse (DWP)
Jobcentre support if you have left an abusive relationship: a new claim in your own name, an advance, and a break from job-search rules.
Who it is for In England, Scotland and Wales: people claiming or needing Universal Credit who have left, or are leaving, an abusive relationship.
First step Tell a work coach at your jobcentre about the abuse. You can ask to talk in a private room.
Good to know Once you have your own claim, your ex-partner cannot see it. Couples on a joint claim can ask for payments to be split.
Crisis and Resilience Fund (your council, England)
Council money for a sudden crisis, including help with food, bills or housing costs when you leave an abusive relationship.
Who it is for In England: people on a low income or facing a crisis. You do not need to be on benefits. Victims of domestic abuse leaving a relationship are named as eligible.
First step Contact your local council and ask about a Crisis Payment from the Crisis and Resilience Fund. You can apply at any time of year.
Good to know In Scotland ask your council about the Scottish Welfare Fund; in Wales, the Discretionary Assistance Fund. Help varies by council.
Scottish Welfare Fund (Crisis Grant and Community Care Grant)
Grants from your council in Scotland to help with an emergency, or to help you set up or keep a settled home. You do not have to pay them back.
Who it is for In Scotland: for people aged 16 or over on a low income (you do not have to be on benefits). The page names domestic abuse, including help to move away from an abuser.
First step Apply through your council, not the Scottish Government. Choose your council on the mygov.scot page. If you cannot apply online, your council may offer other ways to apply.
Good to know Most councils decide on a Crisis Grant within 2 working days, but some are taking longer. If you are escaping domestic abuse, a Community Care Grant may help you set up a home.
Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF), Wales
Welsh Government grants you do not pay back: an Emergency Assistance Payment for essentials like food or energy, and an Individual Assistance Payment for furniture and white goods for a home.
Who it is for In Wales: for people over 16 in a money crisis. The home grant lists needing to move home quickly because of domestic violence or a relationship breakdown.
First step Check the eligibility on GOV.WALES, then apply online, by post or by phone for an emergency payment. Help with furniture or white goods must go through an approved partner organisation.
Good to know The home grant (Individual Assistance Payment) is for people getting certain benefits, such as Universal Credit. An approved partner can also help you apply.
Discretionary Support (Northern Ireland)
Help in a crisis with short-term living costs such as food, or with basic household items. Depending on your situation it may be an interest-free loan or a grant you do not pay back.
Who it is for In Northern Ireland: for people over 18 (or at least 16 without parental support) in a crisis that puts their or their family's health, safety or well-being at significant risk.
First step Apply to the Finance Support Service, which you can claim online through nidirect. Have your National Insurance number and details of your income, savings, rent or mortgage and bank account ready.
Good to know There is an income limit, and savings may be taken into account. If you are unhappy with a decision, you can ask for it to be reviewed.
Universal Credit help if you experience domestic abuse (Northern Ireland)
In Northern Ireland, Jobs & Benefits offices are recognised as safe places, with staff trained to help people experiencing domestic abuse. Universal Credit can offer extra support.
Who it is for In Northern Ireland: for people getting Universal Credit who are experiencing domestic abuse.
First step If you get Universal Credit, you can contact Universal Credit in confidence by phone, for example to ask for your payments to be split between you and your partner.
Good to know You may be able to get an advance, a break from looking for or preparing for work for up to 13 weeks, and help with housing.
Turn2us benefits calculator and grants search
Free online tools to check which benefits you can claim and to search for charity grants.
Who it is for Anyone who is finding it hard to make ends meet.
First step Use the free Benefits Calculator, then the Grants Search, on the Turn2us website.
StepChange: free debt advice, including coerced debt
Free, confidential debt advice if a partner or family member forced or pressured you into debt or controls your money.
Who it is for Anyone in the UK with debts, including debts taken out in your name or under pressure from an abuser.
First step Start free debt advice online with StepChange and tell them if it is not safe for you to be contacted at home.
Good to know They can agree safe ways to contact you, so you only get documents you can safely access.
Surviving Economic Abuse
UK charity with guides on banking, debt, housing and cutting financial ties with an abuser.
Who it is for Anyone whose current or former partner has controlled or interfered with their money, finances or the things money buys.
First step Read their 'I need help' pages, including the Economic Abuse Guide and Banking Support Directory.
Good to know Use their quick-exit button if someone may see your screen.
Citizens Advice
Free advice on benefits, debt, housing, court orders and immigration if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Who it is for In England and Wales: anyone, of any gender. Citizens Advice in Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own advice pages.
First step Find your nearest Citizens Advice or use their online chat to talk to a trained adviser.
Good to know Their pages have a 'Hide this page' button that takes you to Google.
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Other topics
- A safe place to live in the UKSomewhere safe to stay in the UK when you leave abuse: refuges, council homelessness help and housing advice.
- Legal aid and free legal help in the UKLegal help in the UK when you live with abuse: legal aid for victims of domestic abuse and free legal advice lines.
- The police and court orders in the UKReporting abuse to the police in the UK, non-molestation and occupation orders, Clare's Law and support for victims of crime.
- Children and child arrangements in the UKHelp for children and parents in the UK after abuse: child arrangements, Cafcass, and when you do not have to go to mediation.
- Your immigration status if you leave in the UKIf your visa in the UK depends on your partner: the Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession and settlement as a victim of domestic abuse.
- Health care and help after sexual assault in the UKHealth care in the UK after abuse or sexual assault: Sexual Assault Referral Centres, your GP and rape crisis support.
- Help for particular groups in the UKHelp in the UK for men, LGBT+ people, older and disabled people, and people facing forced marriage, from services that know your situation.