Financial Information and Resources

Few industries offer such rewards, but also, such unique challenges financially. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re struggling to pay the bills, but we’ve got your back. We’ve pulled together some tools to help you stay on top of your finances.

Benefits Support

The benefits system can be tricky to navigate. But for actors and stage management, especially those freelancing or with varying income levels, knowing what you’re entitled to is key.

Check your Benefits Eligibility

Asking for help isn’t always easy – it can be difficult to reach out for support at times, or apply for the benefits you are entitled to, but the welfare system is there for a reason: to support us when life throws curveballs. Whether you’re dealing with work changes, health issues, caring responsibilities, housing, childcare, or just trying to make ends meet, claiming the help you’re entitled to can provide real relief during tough times. If you’re eligible, applying for benefits could be a game-changer for easing financial pressures.

Here’s a quick rundown of what actors and stage management might be eligible for:

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): If illness or a health condition affects your ability to work, and you’ve made the right National Insurance contributions, you might be able to get New Style ESA payments. Savings or a partner’s income won’t affect this.
Universal Credit for the self-employed: If you’re self-employed with a low or variable income, or out of work, Universal Credit can help with living costs. You’ll need to report your income and expenses regularly. Check out this guide.
Work-related benefits: If you’re working, whether employed or self-employed and your household income is low, it’s a good idea to check what benefits you might be eligible for. This is especially important if you rent your home or have children, as you could qualify for a state benefit depending on your situation.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP): This helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability that makes it difficult to carry out daily activities or get around. It’s for people over 16 and under State Pension age, regardless of income or savings. Check out the Turn2Us PIP Helper for more info.
Adult Disability Payment (Scotland): If you live in Scotland, this is the equivalent of PIP.
Carer’s Allowance: If you regularly care for someone with a disability, you might be eligible. Carer’s allowance is for people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone with a disability who receives a qualifying benefit.
Child Benefit: If you have children under 16 (or under 20 if they’re in education or training), check if you can get Child Benefit.
Housing support: If you are on a low income, you may be able to get support towards housing costs, such as help with mortgage, rent, or Council Tax.
Retirement benefits: If you’re around or over retirement age, such as pension credit.

TRY PENNYSMART

Pennysmart support people across the UK. They provide a holistic financial wellbeing service through advice, casework, and implementation support.

We can refer actors and stage management to support from Pennysmart. To enquire about accessing this support, please complete this short form.

FIND OUT MORE

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TRY OUR BENEFIT CALCULATOR

A lot of people in the UK are missing out on benefits they’re entitled to. Our free, confidential benefits calculator helps identify all the benefits you’re eligible for, even the ones you might not know about. Have your income and expenditure info handy before you start. The calculator will estimate the types and amounts of benefits you could claim and advise how to apply. It also shows how changes in your situation could affect your entitlement. And remember, you can always contact us for help with using it.

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Free Tools and Resources

If you’re dealing with benefits like Universal Credit, especially as a freelancer, these tools and resources can make things easier:

MoneyHelper’s useful guide to applying for Universal Credit: A guide specifically for self-employed workers.
Citizens Advice can also help check eligibility for New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance. Organisations like Mental Health and Money Advice and Citizens Advice also provide guidance on disability benefits like PIP or Attendance Allowance.
Support if you’re self-employed | MoneyHelper
Benefits and financial support for people who are ill, injured or have a disability | Turn2us
The Help to Claim helpline from Citizen Advice (0800 023 2581) can provide guidance on Universal Credit claims, or visit the webpage here.
Benefits and entitlements for pensioners and the elderly | Age UK

Debt is another financial concern that can affect anyone, regardless of their circumstances. Debt is money you owe to lenders, such as banks, credit card providers, or loan companies. If you are struggling to make repayments or facing financial hardship due to debt, it’s important to seek a tailored debt solution to regain control of your finances. You can get free, confidential debt advice by speaking to debt advice specialists such as StepChange, or if you’re self-employed or a freelancer the Business Debt Helpline.

One of my good friends told me about Actors' Trust and from the very first email I felt really safe.”

Luke Rose Actor

FINANCIAL SUPPORT GRANT

We understand that life as an actor or in stage management can be unpredictable, and sometimes, things don’t go as planned. If you can’t work for reasons beyond your control, or are facing other challenges, Actors’ Trust is here to help. Please fill out the form below to tell us your story, and let’s see how we can support you.

Apply for our Grant