My circumstances have changed
A change in life events can impact our finances. Find out more about support that is available along the way.
Becoming a Parent
The Money Helper website has lots of helpful resources to support from budgeting when you’re pregnant, to maternity leave and pay to adoption leave and pay.
The Best Start in Life website has lots of information to support parents from pregnancy through to starting school. Visit the Best Start in Life website to use their eligibility checker to see what support you might be entitled to (this includes support for working parents and tax free childcare)
If you’re on a low income and more than 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under 4 years old you may be eligible for help to buy food and milk. Visit the NHS website to find out more about the Healthy Start programme and how to apply.
Student life and Graduating (Further and Higher Education)
The 16-19 Bursary fund is a means tested government provided fund to support students struggling to cover costs relating to studying (eg. transport costs, books and equipment) visit the Gov.UK website for more information.
Visit the Herefordshire Community Foundation website for more information about funding support for students in further or higher education.
Money Helper website has lots of information regarding financial support for further and higher education.
The Money Helper website has a useful section on student and graduate money.
Retirement
Check your State Pension age on the Gov.UK website.
Find out more and check your eligibility for Pension Credit – its worth noting that a change in your circumstances can make someone newly eligible for pension credit (eg. new caring responsibilities or a bereavement)
Visit the Money Helper website for more information on pensions and retirement.
Visit the Age UK Wyvern website for information about support available in your local area.
Life can be unpredictable and there are some things we can't plan for, so we've put together some some resources below to support you with some of life's unexpected events.
An unexpected change in circumstances can be stressful. If you need support with your mental health, visit the Mental Health and Wellbeing pages of the website.
Sometimes a change in circumstances can trigger a new eligibility for financial support - check your eligibility using a benefits calculator
If you have become a carer visit the Money Helper website for more information.
Other useful resources:
Grants & Financial Support for Carers| Carers Trust
If you were under State Pension age when your partner died you may be eligible for Bereavement Support Payment. Visit the Gov.UK website to find out more.
If you are of State Pension age, check your eligibility for Pension Credit. A change in circumstances such as a bereavement can affect your eligibility.
Other resources:
Bereavement Advice Centre | Bereavement Benefits
Find information about navigating the financial implications of a divorce or separation visit the Money Helper website.
The Flexible Fund can help surviving domestic abuse – the scheme will run until 26th February 2026. Visit the Women’s Aid website for more information.
Other useful resources:
Financial Support Line - Surviving Economic Abuse offers specialist advice to anyone experiencing domestic abuse who is in financial difficulty.
Talk Community Early Prevention Officers can provide information to support you if you are at risk of losing your home.
Other useful resources:
Care leavers can access information about support available to them on the Herefordshire Council website.
If you’re dealing with a health issue, explore available support on the Money Helper website.
Other useful resources include:
Money, finance and insurance | Macmillan Cancer Support
Coping financially - NHS (coping financially with end of life care)
Going into hospital if you get benefits - GOV.UK
What is Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)? | Turn2us
Benefits and financial support if you have a disability or health condition
Find information about what benefits you might be eligible for on the Money Helper website.
Citizens Advice offer free information on a wide range of areas, including paying your bills, debt solutions, budgeting and benefits, so if your circumstances have changed, contact them today to discuss your next steps.