Get back on track with BudgetSmart
Our debt advice partners, PayPlan, explain how BudgetSmart can help you make the most of your money
Debt and money worries can have an overwhelming impact on your overall wellbeing. So, we’ve teamed up with the free, confidential debt advice service, PayPlan.
Working in healthcare, you won’t necessarily work a normal ‘9–5’. PayPlan respect your schedule and will talk to you at a time that’s best for you. They can help with different types of debt, including credit cards, loans, utility arrears, mortgage arrears and council tax arrears.
Speaking with PayPlan will not affect your credit score. They will explain the options available to you, so you can decide how to deal with your situation.
Visit the RCN Foundation portal on the PayPlan website to self-refer.
Charlotte, a nurse, shares her story of the support she has received with PayPlan.
There are also a number of other providers that offer financial advice and support:
- Money Saving Expert, including guides on credit unions and community banking
- Business Debt Advice
- Energy Saving Trust
- JAAQ
Calls are free from mobiles and landlines to Citizens Advice national helplines:
- Adviceline England: 0800 144 8848
- Adviceline Wales: 0800 702 2020
- Advice for Scotland: 0800 028 1456
- Advice for Northern Ireland: 0800 915 4604
For help or advice about claiming Universal Credit contact the Help to Claim Service. They can guide you through the claim and discuss with you if you’d be eligible for an ‘Advance Payment’ if you need money quickly during the early stage of your claim.
- Help to Claim England: 0800 144 8 444
- Help to Claim Scotland: 0800 023 2581
- Help to Claim Wales: 0800 0241 220
- Universal Credit service centre Northern Ireland: 0800 012 1331
Financial Wellbeing and Money Management
Hear from Antony Price, Partnership Manager at PayPlan, with some top tips to help with money management support and financial wellbeing.
PayPlan's money saving tips for healthcare staff
The team at PayPlan are providing specialised tips for those experiencing hardship in a series of articles about money management. Read them here:
Our top five tips to help you save money
From childcare costs to DBS checks, the RCN Foundation Benevolent Grants Service Team share their tips to help you save.
Could you be paying less council tax?
Our debt advice partners, PayPlan, advise that depending on your circumstances, you may be able to receive a discount or not pay it at all.
Are you missing out on unclaimed benefits?
The UK benefits system can be complex, and it may feel overwhelming to use it for the first time. Read more from our debt advice partner, PayPlan, and check if you are missing out on unclaimed benefits.
Will my partner’s debt affect my credit score?
This is a question that our debt advice partner, PayPlan, hear often. Read more to find out everything you need to know when it comes to credit scores.
How to look after your mental health when you’re in debt
Our free debt advice partner, PayPlan, share tips on coping with the mental health impacts caused by debt.
Eight ways to have fun on a budget
The cost-of-living crisis has made leisure activities more financially stressful than usual, particularly for families on a budget.
11 financial support options for carers
If you support a family member or partner who is unwell or disabled, financial help is available.
Everything you need to know about loan sharks
With just one unexpected bill, people can quickly find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle of debt. Our debt advice partners, PayPlan, share their top loan-shark-spotting tips.
Watch our PayPlan Q&A
Ruth Samuel, the RCN Foundation Benevolent Grants Manager, chats to Antony Price of PayPlan about the emotional and practical support their team provides. For help, give them a call on their free helpline 0800 280 2816.
Signposting Hub
A directory of help available to you, ranging from counselling to gambling support
Additional hardship support
We've put together a list of additional organisations across the UK that are here to support you
Emotional wellbeing and mental health support
1 in 4 people have mental health problems, but most don’t get the help we need. We've put together a list of organisations there to help whenever you might need
Career and job-seeking support
Whether you're looking for careers information, or advice and guidance following being dismissed, support is available
Long-term condition and disability support
Networks, guidance and financial support for those with lived experience of disability and/or long-term condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Hardship grants