I've lost my job and I need cash

Can I claim benefits?

If you’ve lost your job chances are you’re entitled to benefits, such as job seekers allowance (JSA) or housing benefit. This should be your first port of call.

These free to use calculators will tell you which benefits you can get and how to get them.

• Turn2us
• Policy in Practice
• Entitledto
Am I eligible for housing benefit?

Can I get a loan if I am unemployed?

Yes. If you’re unemployed or receiving benefits you do have loan options. But taking on more debt when you've just lost your job is not a great idea.

Before going down this route think about what else you could do to bring in extra cash. Could you rent out a room in your house? Sell unwanted goods? Turn daily tasks into a business?

Here are Money Helper’s top tips for making money when out of work.

Do I need a guarantor for a loan when I am unemployed?

Not always. But if you do decide to apply for a loan, a guarantor loan is the option which is likely to offer you the greatest chance of acceptance and the lowest interest rate. If you’re unemployed and have no guarantor you do have other bad credit loan options but they are likely to be very expensive. Before applying for a loan it is vital you make ensure you can afford the repayments.

Could I make my situation worse by applying for a loan if I’m unemployed with bad credit?

By taking on more debt you’re going to put your financial situation under more pressure, and this could make things worse.

When applying for credit if you’re unemployed and have bad credit, you also risk being declined. Being declined isn’t going to do your credit file any favours. Before you jump into an application use the Choose Wisely Eligibility Checker to compare suitable options. The main thing to remember is that you should only be thinking about credit if you're absolutely sure you can afford the repayments.

I’m struggling to keep up with debts

If you need help there are plenty of places you can turn for help and advice.

• Citizens advice bureau (england and wales)
• Citizens advice bureau (northern Ireland)
• Citizens advice bureau (Scotland)
• National debtline
• Stepchange debt charity