Start by listing your essential income and spending, then check whether you can reduce bills by changing tariffs, sharing costs or applying for available discounts. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for Universal Credit, Council Tax Reduction, help with housing costs or local welfare assistance; check the latest criteria on GOV.UK and your council’s website. Full-time students are usually exempt from Council Tax, while some single-person households can receive a discount. If money problems are becoming difficult to manage, contact a free debt advice charity before missing priority payments such as rent, Council Tax or energy bills.