Crisis mode
Take a breath. Let's get you sorted.
If something feels urgent, confusing or overwhelming, we'll guide you to the safest next step — the right free UK phone number, your legal protection in plain English, and where to find emergency money, shelter or food tonight. Pick the situation closest to yours below.
Last verified 5 Jun 2026 · All helpline numbers verified · Samaritans + StepChange + Shelter + NHS + Refuge
If a life is in danger or someone is being hurt right now
If you can't wait for an explanation, call one of these now. All free, all UK, all available right now.
Pick the crisis closest to your situation
Each opens a calm next-24-hours plan with the right UK phone number and your legal rights.
Eviction or bailiff at the door.
You almost certainly have more time + more rights than you think. Section 21 + Section 8 notices have specific UK legal requirements that landlords often get wrong. Bailiffs (enforcement agents) can't force entry on a first visit to a residential property for most debts.
First call · free · UK
Shelter UK Housing Helpline
Free specialist housing advice. Can guide you through your specific notice + landlord situation. Emergency support if homelessness is imminent tonight.
Shelter0808 800 4444
Your UK rights in this moment
What landlords + bailiffs cannot legally do, even with a court order:
- Bailiffs cannot force entry to your home on a first visit for council tax, parking PCNs, or most consumer debts. They can only enter peacefully through an unlocked door or with the existing occupant's permission.
- You cannot be evicted without a court order. A Section 21 or Section 8 notice is not the eviction itself — the landlord must then apply to the court + obtain a possession order + then a bailiff warrant.
- Section 21 notices have strict legal requirements: deposit must be in a TDP scheme, gas certificate provided, EPC provided, How to Rent guide provided. If any are missing, the notice can be invalid.
- You have the right to legal representation at any possession hearing. Civil Legal Advice 0345 345 4345 means-tests for legal aid.
Next 24 hours Today + tonight
1Call Shelter UK (free) right now
0808 800 4444 — even if you only have 10 minutes. Their advisers know every UK eviction route. They'll tell you whether your notice is even legally valid.
2Don't open the door for a bailiff. Don't sign anything.
Bailiffs can only enter peacefully through an unlocked door. Don't let them in. Don't sign a Controlled Goods Agreement on the doorstep. Speak through the closed door + ask them to leave.
3Photograph every document you've received
The notice itself + envelope + any letters from the landlord + your tenancy agreement + your TDP certificate + gas safety cert. Date-stamp on phone.
4If you're homeless tonight or will be tomorrow, declare to your council
Every UK council has a statutory duty under the Homeless Reduction Act 2017 to assist if you're homeless or threatened with homelessness within 56 days. gov.uk/find-local-council for your council's housing options out-of-hours number.
Emergency money + shelter routes available tonight
- StreetLink: if you'll be sleeping rough — streetlink.org.uk notifies local outreach.
- Discretionary Housing Payment: council top-up if rent exceeds Housing Benefit/UC. Apply via your council.
- Household Support Fund: every English council has one until 31 March 2026 — same-day to 14-day vouchers.
- Citizens Advice: 0800 144 8848 — can refer you to a local food bank tonight + advise on eviction defence.
Debt · bailiffs · about to be cut off.
You can legally pause every debt for 60 days right now. The Breathing Space scheme (Debt Respite Scheme Regulations 2020) freezes all interest, all enforcement, all contact — for 60 days, free, via any FCA-authorised debt charity. Use it tonight.
First call · free · FCA-regulated · UK
StepChange Debt Charity
Largest UK debt charity. Free DMP setup. Free Breathing Space. Average call wait under 5 minutes. 650,000+ people helped in 2024.
StepChange0800 138 1111
Your UK rights in this moment
- Breathing Space (60-day legal pause) — statutory right under Debt Respite Scheme Regs 2020. Interest stops. Enforcement stops. Creditor contact stops. Apply free via StepChange, Citizens Advice, PayPlan or any FCA-authorised debt adviser.
- Bailiffs cannot force entry on a first visit for most UK debts. Don't open the door.
- You cannot be disconnected from energy in winter if you're on the Priority Services Register (vulnerable household). Apply via your supplier — same-day registration.
- Essential living expenditure protection: creditors cannot push you below the Standard Financial Statement allowance for food, fuel, basic clothing.
Next 24 hours Today + tonight
1Call StepChange or use their online tool
0800 138 1111 (8am-8pm Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Sat) or stepchange.org 24/7. Apply for Breathing Space the same call.
2If a bailiff arrives, don't open the door
Don't sign anything. Take a photo of any document they leave. They must leave a Notice of Enforcement; without one, they're acting unlawfully.
3Apply for emergency cash tonight
UC Advance Payment (3 working days, interest-free), Household Support Fund (via council, 3-14 days), Discretionary Housing Payment if rent arrears. See /which-debt-first · emergency money.
4Find more money before paying anyone non-priority
Use Sorted's debt sorter + money finder — tick what applies and see the live total of UK money you may be missing. Average UK adult under-claims £1,800/yr.
UK emergency cash + protections active tonight
- UC Advance Payment: up to 100% of your first UC payment in 3 working days. Interest-free. Apply via gov.uk/universal-credit/get-an-advance-first-payment.
- Household Support Fund: council-administered cash/vouchers. Every English council has one until 31 March 2026.
- Section 75: credit card £100-£30,000 joint-liability if goods/service failed. Free.
- Free food today: Citizens Advice 0800 144 8848 can refer you to your nearest food bank now.
Domestic abuse or coercive control.
You're not over-reacting and you're not alone. Free 24/7 UK support is available right now — for women, for men, for LGBT+ people, for older people. Coercive control has been a criminal offence under UK law since the Serious Crime Act 2015.
First call · free · 24/7 · UK
National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
Free, confidential, 24 hours a day. Specialist support for women + children experiencing domestic abuse. Can help with immediate safety + refuge spaces tonight.
Refuge · 24/70808 2000 247
Your UK rights in this moment
- Coercive + controlling behaviour is a criminal offence under the Serious Crime Act 2015 s.76. Pattern of control without physical violence is enough.
- You have the right to a non-molestation order via the Family Court — emergency / "without notice" applications available the same day if there's immediate risk.
- If you're a tenant + abuser is a co-tenant, you can apply for an Occupation Order to exclude them from your home.
- Domestic abuse + housing: your council has a statutory duty to help under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 + Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
Next 24 hours Tonight + tomorrow
1Make the call when it's safe
0808 2000 247 (Refuge, 24/7) — or for men: Respect Men's Advice Line 0808 801 0327. For LGBT+: Galop 0800 999 5428. None of these show on phone bills.
2If you need refuge space tonight
The helpline arranges refuge accommodation across the UK + can refer you to a local refuge with same-night space. You don't need to know where you'll go before you call.
3Document anything you safely can
Photos of injuries (with dates). Screenshots of texts. Voice notes of incidents (UK law allows recording your own conversation). Store in a free secure cloud OR with a trusted person.
4If in immediate physical danger: 999
If you can't speak, dial 999 then press 55 on a mobile to confirm it's a silent call where you can't speak. The operator will know it's an emergency. Use textphone 18000 if deaf or speech-impaired.
UK emergency money + housing routes available now
- Refuge accommodation arranged via the 24/7 helpline above. Free, anonymous, anywhere in the UK.
- Council homelessness duty: immediately accept "Priority Need" status under Domestic Abuse Act 2021 — your council must help.
- Universal Credit + Housing Element: if you've left an abusive home, you can apply for UC including housing costs the same day at gov.uk.
- Specialist legal aid: domestic abuse cases keep legal aid even when other family cases lost it. Civil Legal Advice 0345 345 4345.
Job loss or redundancy.
You probably qualify for more than you think and you can get money in 3 working days. The Universal Credit Advance Payment is interest-free + comes within 3 working days of your first UC application. Many people skip it because they don't know it exists.
First call · free · UK
ACAS — Employment Advice
Statutory UK employment advice service. Free + impartial. Covers redundancy rights, notice pay, holiday pay, unfair dismissal + mandatory Early Conciliation before any Employment Tribunal claim.
ACAS0300 123 1100
Your UK rights if you've been made redundant
- Statutory redundancy pay if 2+ years' service — minimum £700/week × age-weighted multiplier (up to 30 weeks). 2025/26 maximum statutory weekly cap £700.
- Notice pay: minimum 1 week per year served (up to 12 weeks). If paid in lieu, taxable.
- Holiday pay: all accrued + untaken annual leave must be paid out.
- Right to consultation: if 20+ at risk, collective consultation 30-45 days mandatory. If fewer, individual consultation still required.
- Employment Tribunal: 3 months minus 1 day from dismissal to file. Mandatory ACAS Early Conciliation first.
Next 7 days Tomorrow to next week
1Apply for Universal Credit today, even if you have a final salary coming
UC takes 5 weeks for first payment. Apply now at gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim. Then immediately apply for Advance Payment (3 working days, interest-free).
2Get your statutory redundancy calc + final settlement in writing
If your employer offers a settlement agreement, you must take independent legal advice (employer often pays). Don't sign anything without checking with ACAS or a solicitor first.
3Check your tax code on the P45 + reclaim any overpayment
If made redundant mid-year, you may have overpaid PAYE. Check via gov.uk/check-your-income-tax. HMRC auto-corrects but it can take weeks.
4Run the Better Off scan
/better-off — pick up Council Tax Reduction, water social tariff, broadband social tariff, free school meals, Pension Credit if 66+, Marriage Allowance. Could be £500-£3,000/yr.
UK money you can get in 7-14 days
- UC Advance Payment: 3 working days. Interest-free. Repaid from later UC over 24 months.
- Council Tax Reduction: apply immediately at your council. Avg award £900/yr.
- Mortgage Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI): if on certain benefits, government pays interest on up to £200k of mortgage after 3-month waiting period.
- Council Discretionary Housing Payment: top-up if rent exceeds Housing Benefit / UC.
- Skills Bootcamp: 12-16 weeks free training in DDaT/digital/construction/green skills with guaranteed interview at end. /earn-more.
Bereavement.
You don't need to do everything at once. The first 14 days have a small number of essential steps; everything else can wait. Free UK bereavement support is available 24/7 + the Tell Us Once service notifies DWP + HMRC + councils + DVLA in a single update.
First call · free · UK
Cruse Bereavement Support
Free UK grief support. 9.30am-5pm Mon-Fri (longer Tue-Thu). Adult helpline + separate Hope Again service for children + young people.
Cruse0808 808 1677
UK statutory bereavement benefits you may qualify for
- Bereavement Support Payment: up to £9,800 over 18 months (initial £3,500 + 18 monthly payments of £350) if partner died before State Pension age. Apply within 21 months of death.
- Funeral Expenses Payment: up to £1,000 + burial/cremation fees if on certain benefits. Apply within 6 months of funeral.
- Scotland: Funeral Support Payment £1,257.75 standard (instead of FEP).
- Pension Credit: may newly qualify if widowed.
- Statutory bereavement leave: 2 weeks paid leave if child died under 18 (Parental Bereavement Act 2018).
The first 14 days Calm sequence
1Get the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD)
Issued by attending doctor or hospital. Take this to the register office.
2Register the death within 5 days (8 days in Scotland)
At any council Registrar Office. Take the MCCD + ID for the deceased + your ID. You'll get certified copies of the death certificate (~£11 each — buy 5-10 copies, you'll need them).
3Use Tell Us Once at the register office
Free UK government service. Single notification updates DWP, HMRC, councils, DVLA, HM Passport Office in one step. Saves dozens of separate letters. Free.
4Arrange the funeral when you're ready
Average UK funeral £4,800 (SunLife 2024). Direct Cremation alternative £1,500-£2,500. DWP Funeral Expenses Payment up to £1,000 + funeral fees if eligible. Don't sign with a funeral director before checking gov.uk/funeral-payments.
5Apply for Bereavement Support Payment
Within 21 months of death — up to £9,800 over 18 months if partner died before State Pension age. Apply at gov.uk/bereavement-support-payment.
6Probate (only if needed)
Required for estates over £5,000 or where there's property to transfer. Not always needed. Can be done yourself for simple estates — £273 application fee + £1.50 per certified copy.
Free UK bereavement support
- Cruse Bereavement Support: 0808 808 1677 (adult) · Hope Again 0808 808 1677 (children + young people).
- Marie Curie Bereavement Service: 0800 090 2309 if loss was end-of-life.
- Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7) if you need to talk anytime.
- The Good Grief Trust: thegoodgrieftrust.org — UK-wide signposting to local + specialist services.
Mental health crisis.
You don't need to be suicidal to call. You don't need to know what to say. Free UK 24/7 options exist that won't put you on hold for hours. If you're worried about yourself or someone close to you tonight, these are the right phone numbers.
First call · free · 24/7 · UK
Samaritans
Free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Doesn't show on phone bill. You don't need to be in crisis to call. They listen, they don't judge.
Samaritans · 24/7116 123
UK mental health rights + free 24/7 routes
- NHS 111 (24/7): mental-health crisis option. Routes to local crisis teams. Some areas have NHS mental health crisis lines listed at nhs.uk/mental-health/find-a-helpline.
- Shout (free text 24/7): text SHOUT to 85258 if you can't speak. Average wait under 5 minutes.
- Papyrus HOPELINE247: 0800 068 4141 (24/7) for under-35s or worried adults. Free.
- CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight daily) — aimed at men but anyone can call.
- Statutory Mental Health Act rights: right to legal representation, right to challenge detention, right to Independent Mental Health Advocate.
Tonight
1Make the call when you can
116 123 (Samaritans 24/7), or text SHOUT to 85258 if you can't speak. Both free. Neither shows on bills.
2If you're worried someone might harm themselves tonight
Call Samaritans yourself for guidance. If imminent risk, 999. If they're a young person, Papyrus HOPELINE247 0800 068 4141 supports worried families too.
3Tomorrow: contact your GP for routine support
Tell receptionist this is mental health and you'd like an urgent appointment. UK NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) self-referral is also available at nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health.
4Tonight: be kind to yourself
Sleep matters. Food matters. Phone the helpline as many times as you need. None of them charge. None of them get tired of you.
Critical: SortedUK is not a crisis service, not a medical service, not a legal service. The numbers above are real verified UK helplines. The legal rights are sourced to UK statute. But if you're in immediate physical danger or someone is being hurt right now, call 999. If you're not sure whether to call 999 or 111, call 111 — they'll route you. Free human support is the right first step for every crisis on this page.