Borrowing and help by personal situation

The right answer to a money problem depends on who you are and what your income looks like. Someone between jobs, a pensioner, a single parent, a disabled person, a student or a person with a damaged credit file will each meet different rules, different lenders and different sources of help. The guides in this section start from your situation rather than from a product, so you can see what is realistic and what to avoid.

Out of work or on benefits

Many mainstream lenders turn down applicants whose main income is benefits, but that does not mean there is no way forward. Benefit advances, local welfare schemes and credit unions are often more suitable than high-cost credit. See borrowing while receiving benefits and borrowing without a job for the details.

Insecure or part-time work

Zero-hours contracts, temporary jobs and self-employment make income hard to prove. Lenders look at bank statements and regularity of income, so keeping clear records helps. Our guide to loans without a permanent contract explains how applications are assessed.

Disability, older age and single parenthood

Disabled people, pensioners and single parents often face extra costs on top of a limited income, and specific grants, benefits and charities exist for each group. The dedicated pages explain the help to claim first and the borrowing options that remain if needed.

Students with limited means

Hardship funds run by universities and colleges, along with official student finance, should come before any commercial loan. Student advice services can check whether you are receiving the full amount of support. Overdrafts and high-cost credit can follow you long after your studies.

Bad credit or heavy debts

If you have missed payments, defaults or several debts already, new credit can make things worse. Free debt advice, payment plans and formal debt solutions are usually the safer route. Read borrowing with too much existing debt before applying anywhere, as each refusal can lower your chances next time.

Common rules for every situation

• Check what help and benefits you are entitled to before borrowing.
• Compare the APR and the total amount repayable, not only the monthly cost.
• Check that any lender is authorised by the relevant regulator.
• Never pay a fee upfront to receive a loan.

Find the guide closest to your circumstances in the list below, or browse hardship help before credit if you need support rather than a loan.