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Service Guides: Benefits, Tax, Housing and Public Services
Free, plain-English help with the services everyone deals with: DWP and benefits, HMRC and tax, councils, housing and the NHS. Tools, the most common problems, and who to contact, all in one place.
No match. Try a shorter word, or use the benefits finder or the housing finder.
Information and Signposting
We explain the official rules and point you to the right place. We do not give legal, tax or benefits advice. For advice on your own situation, use a free service such as Citizens Advice, Shelter, Turn2us or TaxAid. Most guides cover England first; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can differ.
Service Hubs
Each hub has a problem finder and every guide for that service.
BenefitsUniversal Credit, PIP, sanctions, deductions and appeals.HMRC and TaxSelf Assessment, tax codes, refunds and HMRC complaints.HousingRenting, repairs, council homes, homelessness and housing costs.Work and EmploymentUnpaid wages, holiday pay, dismissal, redundancy and tribunals.Council ComplaintsHow to complain to every UK council, A to Z.Public ServicesCouncils, DVLA, passports, NHS and government complaints.Health, Legal and Personal ServicesNHS and private care, solicitors and funerals.Housing Association ComplaintsStep-by-step guides for 43 social landlords.
Free Tools
They run on your device. Nothing is sent anywhere.
Benefit Deadline CheckerYour reconsideration, appeal and form deadlines.Employment Tribunal Deadline CheckerYour Acas and tribunal deadline for a problem at work.Redundancy Pay CalculatorEstimate your statutory redundancy pay.Council FinderPostcode to the right page on your council's website.Evidence TimelineA dated record with photos, ready to print.Housing Complaint Route FinderThe official route for your landlord and problem.Repairs LogRecord every repair you report.Ombudsman FinderFind the free ombudsman for your problem.Letter TemplatesFill-in-the-blank complaint letters.Get My Action PlanAnswer a few questions for a step-by-step plan.
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Most Common Problems
The questions people ask us most about public services.
Universal Credit SanctionHow long it lasts and how to challenge it.Universal Credit Health Element 2026Higher and lower rates explained.How to Claim PIPThe call, the form and the deadline.PIP Points ExplainedThe 8 and 12 point rules.Challenge a Benefit DecisionMandatory reconsideration and appeal.Benefit Tribunal HearingWhat happens on the day.Self Assessment DeadlinesRegister, file and pay.P800 Tax CalculationRefunds and what to do.Emergency Tax CodeWhy you have one and how to fix it.Council Tax ReductionHelp paying council tax.Homelessness HelpWhat your council must do.Damp and MouldGetting your landlord to act.Complain About DWPComplaints and the Independent Case Examiner.Complain to HMRCComplaints, reviews and the Adjudicator.Complain About a CouncilCouncil stages and the Ombudsman.Complain About the NHSTime limits and free advocacy.
Courts and Tribunals
Court claims, judgments, bailiffs, fines and every tribunal: employment, benefits and housing.
Employment Tribunal Deadline CheckerFor a problem at work: your Acas and tribunal deadline.Employment Tribunal Time LimitsThe 6 month rule from 1 October 2026.Acas Early ConciliationThe free step before an employment tribunal.Small Claims CourtHow to make a money claim.Received a Court Claim FormRespond within 14 days.County Court JudgmentsPay within a month or it stays 6 years.Parking Charge Court ClaimA private parking company is taking you to court.Attachment of EarningsCourt orders taking money from wages.Statutory DemandThe 18 and 21 day deadlines.Cannot Pay a Court FineInstalments, summons and bailiffs.Bailiff Fees 2026What enforcement agents can charge.Notice of Enforcement14 days, or 28 with a debt adviser.What Bailiffs Can DoYour rights when bailiffs visit.Possession HearingWhat happens at court if your landlord wants you out.Rent Increase TribunalChallenge a rent rise at the First-tier Tribunal.Benefit Tribunal HearingWhat happens on the day.Upper TribunalIf a tribunal decision is wrong.Complain About a Court or TribunalHMCTS service complaints.
DVLA and Driving Licences
Renewals, medical conditions, points and vehicle paperwork.
Renew Your PhotocardEvery 10 years, £14 online.Renew at 70Free, then every 3 years.Medical ConditionsWhen you must tell DVLA.Penalty Points12 points and new drivers.Check CodeShare your record for car hire.Change Your AddressLicence and log book.SORNOff the road and a tax refund.Sold Your CarTell DVLA and get a refund.Complain to DVLAHow the complaints process works.
NHS Costs and Access
Free prescriptions, dental and eye care, GP registration and hospital travel.
Free PrescriptionsWho qualifies in England.Prepayment CertificateSave on regular prescriptions.NHS Dental ChargesBands 1, 2 and 3.Free Dental TreatmentWho qualifies.Low Income Scheme (HC2)Full or partial help with costs.Free Eye TestsAnd glasses vouchers.Register With a GPNo proof of address needed.Hospital Travel CostsClaim back fares and mileage.NHS Penalty ChargesPrescription and dental penalties.
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Who to Contact
The official bodies, and what each one deals with. Most ombudsmen are free but need you to complain to the organisation first.
| Organisation | What it deals with |
|---|---|
| Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) | Benefit claims, payments and service complaints. |
| HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) | Tax, tax codes, refunds and Child Benefit. |
| The Adjudicator's Office | HMRC complaints after HMRC's second review. |
| Housing Ombudsman | Council and housing association landlords in England. |
| Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman | Council services and adult social care in England. |
| Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman | Government departments (through your MP) and the NHS in England. |
| Scottish Public Services Ombudsman | Councils, housing associations and public services in Scotland. |
| NI Public Services Ombudsman | Public services, including housing, in Northern Ireland. |
| Social Security Scotland | Adult Disability Payment and other Scottish benefits. |
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